Thursday, February 21, 2013

Segregation

Segregation in public transportation was mandated by Maryland Law beginning in 1904 and revised several times. It required separate accommodations for local trains originating in, and stopping in Maryland - though trains heading to other locations were exempt. Railroads and staff faced fines for not enforcing the policy. Legal action and public resentment resulted in lax enforcement on the B&O.

"All railroad companies and corporations, and all persons running or operating cars or coaches by steam on any railroad line or track in the State of Maryland, for the transportation of passengers, are hereby required to provide separate cars or coaches for the travel and transportation of the white and colored passengers." Article 27, Section 432, Annotated Code of Maryland, 1910.

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