Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1900-02-15
A FAMOUS CORNERSTONE.
Recalls the Origin of the Baltimore q Ohio
kniIrnnN. seyentY-IMo Yonra Aan.


Railroad, ssventy-two Years AGO.
A copy of the February "Book Of
the Royal Blue" issued by the Balti-
more 1 Ohio Railroad Co, has been
received by the Gazette through
the company In this city. It is an
interesting publication and printed in
an attractive manner, the covers being
blue, with old gold and white orna.
mentation. II contains map Of New
York City. showing the elevated rail
roads, ferries, the oompany's terminals,
Offices, &c. also, \ well prepared guide
10 Washington, which will prove OK
cesdingly helpful to people visiting
the Capital, as the principal points Of
interest are described and the locations
given and cuts OF the most important
public buildings printed 1t also con-
tains several entertaining articles and
numerous illustrations.
Ono of the features of the book is an
interesting account Of the reclaiming
of one of the most historic relics in the
country, the corner stone of the Balti-
more Il Ohio railroad, known also as
1.-The Cornerstone of Railway Trans
portation. -
This stone was laid in Baltimore
July 4th, 1923, under the auspices of
the Masonic Grand Lodge of Maryland,
assisted by Charles Carroll of Carroll
ton, the last surviving sgner of the
Declaration of Independence, who,
casting the first spadeful Of dirt, re-
peated this memorable prophecy: II
consider this among the most important
acts Of my life, second only to that Of
signing the Declaration of Independ-
ence, il, indeed, second to that. On
that day Baltimore, and, in fact, all
Maryland, INDUCED in a holiday, with
a great industrial and civic parade,
which collapsed any thing of its kind
Given in this country up to that time.
The procession headed for tine spot
where the stone was to bs laid, and
with Masonic ceremony it was placed
in the ground in the usual manner,
wine and oil poured over and corn
scattered upon it, with corresponding
invocation and response followed with
grand Masonic honors. On each side
of the stone was tho inscription IF irst
Stone of the Bait. & Ohio Rail Road"
In the cavity was deposited glass
cylinder, Theoretically sealed, contain
ing copy Of the charter Of the COM
pany, as granted and confirmed by the
States of Maryland, Virginia and
Pennsylvania, and the newspapers of
the day, together with scroll con-
tanning the following:
This stone is deposited in COM
memoration of the commencement of
the Baltimore a. Ohio railroad, work
OF deep and vital interest to the Ameri-
can people. Its accomplishment will
confer the most important benefits upon
this nation by facilitating its COM
merce, diffusine and extending Its
social intercourse, and perpetuate the
happy union of the Confederate States.
The first general meeting Of the citi-
zens OF baltimore to confer upon the
adoption OF proper measures for under
taking this magnificent work, was on
the I'd day Of February, 1897. An act
of Incorporation by the State Of Mary
land was granted February 2sth, 1897,
and was confirmed by the State of
Virginia, March 9Th, 1927. Stock was
subscribed TO provide funds for its
execution April LIST, 1927. The first
board Of directors was elected Arril
23d, 1927 The company was organized
April gath, 1927. An examination Of
the country was commenced under
the direction of Lieut.. Col. Stephen
H. Long and Capt. William g. Mcneil, |
United States Typographical engineers,
and William Howard, United States
civil engineer, assisted by Lieuts.
Barney, Trimble and Dillahunty Of the
United States Artillery aud Mr.. Har-
rison, July I'd, 1927. The actual sur.
veys to determine the route were begun
by the same officers with the additional |
assistance of Lieuts. Cook, Gwynn,
Hazard, Fessenden and Thompson |
and Mr.. Guion, November Goth, 1927. |
The charter of the company was con.
tiImsd by the State of Pennsylvania
February 22d, 1928. The State CT
Maryland became a stonkholder in the
by subscribing for u half a
million dollars of its stock March 9th,
1923, and the construction of the road
was com nenced July 4th, 1921
For over 10 years this famous stone
remained undisturhed, and for nearly
30 years it was almost forgotten. 1t
vas buried several feet under ground,
but recently was taken ul, placed
Upon suitable granite base and now,
protected from vandals by a substantial
teel enclosure, it occupies CON-
- icuous position above ground, and
8 q lasting monument to the FORE
bought OF the oriRinators and pro-
noters of the Baltimore & Ohio rail-
Dad.
The road has undergone many i'm
movements, being one Of the leading
ystems in the world, but is still