Van Hollen, Cardin Seek to Preserve Baltimore’s Historic Landmarks

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) have introduced legislation to preserve two of Baltimore’s historic resources: President Street Station, the oldest surviving urban railroad terminal in America, and P.S. 103, the elementary school where Thurgood Marshall first learned many of the lessons that would make him a legendary lawyer and American jurist. Two bills, S. 1645 and S. 1646, respectively, instruct the Department of the Interior to conduct special resource studies of the historical sites, which is the first step in securing federal support for these historical treasures. Such federal investment would create jobs in Baltimore City and ensure the protection of historic resources that might otherwise be lost forever.

“Baltimore’s historic landmarks are a source of pride for all Marylanders – but as they continue to age, we must preserve and protect them,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This legislation will ensure Baltimore’s rich history stays alive to be enjoyed and learned from for generations to come.”

“For too long, these cultural jewels of Baltimore have been allowed to lose their shine,” said Senator Cardin. “We are moving these historical sites closer to improved, hopefully, permanent preservation so that current and future generations can learn the facts about Baltimore’s role at both the start of the Civil War and at the peak of the Civil Rights movement.”

Built in 1849 and opened in 1850, President Street Station was witness to the earliest conflicts of the Civil War. It currently is home to the Baltimore Civil War Museum and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. P.S. 103, where Thurgood Marshall attended elementary school, is in the Upton neighborhood of West Baltimore. America’s first African American Supreme Court Justice, Baltimore-born Marshall is known for his fight to desegregate our nation’s public schools. The City of Baltimore has been working since 2008 to rehabilitate P.S. 103, also known as Henry Highland Garnet School.