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Maryland Historical Society
Library of Maryland History
201 W. Monument Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-685-3750
Fax: 410-385-2105
E-mail: library @mdhs.org
Buy the Book
Maryland
History In Prints: 1752-1900
by Laura Rice |
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Waterloo Inn, the first Stage from Baltimore to Washington
From Personal Narrative, 1827
Lithograph by F.F. DeRoos
Printed by T.M. Baynes
1827
Lithograph |
Although Marylanders could rightly boast of an extensive network of roads,
travel overland in the early nineteenth century could often be uncomfortable.
Inns and taverns located along the way provided welcome relief from the
rigors of the stagecoach, although the quality and number of services varied
greatly. Privacy, De Roos noted, was a luxury seldom found: "I was
incredibly amused at the nocturnal arrangement which passed around me among
my Yankee [traveling] companions. They were nine in number, and occupied
by triplets, the three other beds which the room contained. Whether
it was with the view of preserving their linens unrumpled, or of enjoying
greater space, I cannot tell; but certain it is that they divested themselves
of clothing to a degree not generally practiced in Europe. A spirit
of accommodation appeared to prevail, and it seemed to be a matter of indifference
whether to occupy the lateral portions of the bed, or the warmer central
position, except in one instance where a gentleman protested against being
placed next to the wall, as he was in the habit of chewing tobacco in his
sleep!"
The Waterloo Inn, located along the route between Baltimore and Washington,
D. C., enjoyed a better reputation among frequent travelers, offering such
amenities as hot baths in individual rooms. The July 4, 1835, Baltimore
American reported with dismay that the previous day this well-known
landmark "was entirely destroyed by fire about half past twelve o'clock.The
stabling and all the out buildings were saved. By the great exertions
of the passengers in the stages who kindly offered their assistance, the
furniture was all removed with little injury."
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