C&O Canal

Historical marker location:

Myersville, Maryland

( Marker can be reached from Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway (Interstate 70) 2 miles west of Maryland Route 17, on the right when traveling west.)

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.