Maryland-Delaware Line, Between Glasgow and Elkton — By June 1941, the final segment of the “Philadelphia Road,” the new dual highway designated as Route 40, was completed. All along the 47-mile road, from Baltimore to the Mason Dixon Line, portions of the highway had opened as work was completed.
But with the completion of this final part, a modern dual system road now extended from the limit of Wilmington to the entrance of Baltimore, so it was time for a formal dedication ceremony. That important event took place at the State Line between Elkton and Glasgow on June 26, 1941.
The governors of Maryland and Delaware, Herbert R. O’Conor and Walter W. Bacon., cut the ribbon signaling that the Maryland part of the highway was joining the Delaware link. As high ranking officials of both states and a crowd of almost 100 people looked on Governor O’Conor split the orange and black ribbon, representing the colors of Maryland. A portion of it was given to Governor Bacon so it could be placed in the Delaware Public Archives.
The project had cost $7,300,000. The Maryland governor emphasized the importance of the 47-mile highway link in
After the ceremony, officials attended races at Delaware Park. Governor’s Day was being observed.
In May 1944, the Philadelphia Road was rededicated as the Pulaski Highway. “The dual highway was given the name of the Polish patriot and friend of Revolutionary America at the 1943 session of the General Assembly,” the Baltimore Sun noted.
For additional photos of the old route designated Route 40, visit Cecil county History on Facebook.