Explore a Trail Network

Historical marker location:

Cumberland, Maryland

( Marker can be reached from Canal Street, 0.3 miles west of Wineow Street.)

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath Cumberland Maryland. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, National Park Service.

Maryland was the first state to pass a law requiring free public education: In 1827, Maryland became the first state to pass a law requiring free public education for all children. The law was initially aimed at poor children, but eventually expanded to include all children regardless of their economic status.