Photo of Route 1 in 1939 courtesy of Preservation Maryland
A new book explores the sometimes-overlooked automotive history of the Route 1 corridor between Washington and Baltimore.
“Images of America: US Route 1 Baltimore to Washington, D.C.” includes a trove of historical photographs taken by government workers who maintained what was then the only major thoroughfare leading north from the U.S. capital.
The book was written by Aaron Marcavitch, executive director for the past eight years of Maryland Milestones/Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, a Hyattsville-based nonprofit that promotes local historical sites. Marcavitch held a book signing Sunday at the Berwyn Heights Town Center to celebrate its release.
In addition to images from the National Archives and Records Administration’s Bureau of Public Roads Collection, Marcavitch also dug up photos of Route 1’s past from local historical societies and the Library of Congress.
Available this month, the book was published by Arcadia, a popular press for regional history which has also put together books on Hyattsville, Mount Rainier and College Park.
Marcavitch has a bachelor’s degree in historic preservation from Roger Williams University and a master’s degree in public history from Middle Tennessee State University.
