Maryland's Historical Markers

Frequently Asked Questions

Information on the marker program guidelines and application process may be found in the "Propose a New Marker" section.

What was the first marker?

According to a 1931 newspaper article by J. Alexis Shriver, director of the marker program, the first marker was erected in 1930 by the Harford County Historical Society to commemorate Jerusalem Mills. The original marker was reported to have been damaged and was replaced in 1954.

What is the cost of a marker?

At present, there is no cost to public sponsors for markers. The approximate cost of a marker and pole to the State of Maryland is $1,840.

Is there a marker book available?

There are two books we know of that were privately published with the marker texts:

Roadside Markers in Maryland (June 2002), by Charles S. Adams. It is a paperback and is available from :

Elizabeth Adams
lizadamsmohan@gmail.com
443-326-0463

Complete Guide to Maryland Historic Markers (1996), by Joe A. Swisher. This hardback with color photos is out of print.

Why are there so many markers about George Washington?

The 1920s and 1930s saw the growth of highways and automobile ownership. This period coincided with preparations to celebrate the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth in 1932. The Daughters of the American Revolution led a campaign to mark "The General's Highway," the route of General Washington's journey, December 3-23, 1783, from New York to Annapolis to resign as commander-in-chief of the first American army. The county committees of the Maryland Commission for the Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington and the Society for the Preservation of Maryland Antiquities placed another series of markers along the Maryland roads traveled by Washington. Many of the markers in Maryland were erected to commemorate Washington and the routes he traveled. For more information about the earliest markers, please see the "thematic tours" page.

Will MHT hold a dedication ceremony for our new marker?

Unveilings and dedication ceremonies are the responsibility of the parties requesting the marker. MHT will be glad to participate.

How long does it take to get a marker installed after it is ordered?

Casting and shipping generally take around eight to twelve weeks. SHA schedules installation according to prior commitments and weather. Every effort is made to ensure the marker is installed in time for a dedication.

A marker that used to be in a certain spot is no longer there. Has it been taken down?

Markers are occasionally taken down for refurbishment, repair or to place in a more advantageous site. SHA will leave a tag on the pole to advise when the marker has been removed for refurbishment. If there is no notice on the pole, we would appreciate an email so we can try to determine what has happened to the marker. Sometimes the markers are stolen or hit by automobiles. If you are concerned about the whereabouts or condition of a marker, please call or e-mail Gregory Brown at 410-697-9538 or gregory.brown@maryland.gov.

My friend has a marker in his basement/dorm room/garage. How can it be returned?

Please call or e-mail Jessica French at 410-697-9623 or jessica.french@maryland.gov. We will coordinate with SHA to have the marker picked up.

Why is a marker I've seen not on the website?

This website includes only markers installed through the State of Maryland roadside historical marker program. It does not include markers and plaques placed by the National Park Service, counties, municipalities, and private entities.