This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Maryland Geological and Highway Survey Programme Update
The 1896 General Assembly organized a two division survey in Maryland. The Geological Division prepared topo maps, geologic data, soils, magnetic, stream, and forestry studies while the Highway Division tested materials, surveyed state properties, and built county roads. Two years of topo mapping covered Baltimore, Somerset, Caroline, and Queen Anne counties, reaching three quarters of the state. A base map at one to the inch shows streams, roads, houses, and terrain, enabling subsequent geological, soil, and forest mappings with explanatory tests. The work is hailed as politically beneficial and essential for economic, industrial, and military use, with reports and maps issued. The Highway Act of 1904 provides partial funding for durable road construction. A department bulletin notes modern roads reduce long-run costs and boost real estate values, urging public highway development as a lasting state priority. A statue of Severn Teackle Wallis was unveiled in Baltimore, saluting his civic leadership and eloquence. Anne Arundel taxpayers push for improved road administration, with a plan likely to be enacted by the legislature.