Respite at Smithsburg

Historical marker location:

Smithsburg, Maryland

( Marker can be reached from West Water Street (Maryland Route 66), on the left when traveling east.)

<i>An Oasis in the Desert</i>.

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.