Enjoying the Courthouse and Main Street (02-11)

Historical narrative

Today, areas on and around Main Street in Upper Marlboro are a hive of activity. At one time, though, Main Street was the primary route through a quaint, charming small town and a major highway (U.S. 301). Such was the case in or about 1920, when this scene was depicted. Here, three folks are enjoying the peaceful front lawn of the courthouse, with Main Street as a backdrop and, on the left, the famous Marlborough House, built circa 1715, a prominent hotel and tavern that once stood in the town center of Upper Marlboro. Judge Alan Bowie's office was housed in the small building across Main Street on the right. A horse-drawn carriage appears on the left and a Ford Model T Sedan on the right, showing the transition from the carriage to the automobile during that period.

Watercolor

© Stephen B. Hales — All Rights Reserved