John Work Garrett letter books
Abstract
This collection contains 15 letter books (ranging from 1868-1881) and 3 telegram books (1879-1882) from the office of John Work Garrett (1820-1884), president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from 1858 until his death in 1884.
Dates
- 1868 - 1882
Creator
Conditions Governing Access
17 of the volumes are available for research use. Letter Book 10 is restricted due to the condition.
Conditions Governing Use
The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.
Biographical / Historical
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), founded in 1827, was the first steam-operated railway in the United States to be chartered as a common carrier of freight and passengers. The first stone for the line was laid on July 4, 1828, by Charles Carroll, the American Revolutionary leader and last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. The first 13 miles of line, from Baltimore to Ellicott’s Mills (now Ellicott City), Maryland, opened in 1830.
In 1858, John Work Garrett became the President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad after a nomination from shareholder and director, Johns Hopkins. At the time he assumed the presidency, Garrett had been on the B&O Board of Directors for 11 years. He served as president for nearly three decades, from 1858 until his death in 1884.
Extent
7.0 Linear Feet (7 boxes containing 18 volumes)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The 15 letter books in Series I are arranged chronologically. Each book has a bookmark inside the front cover with the assigned volume number. The 3 telegram books in Series II are likewise arranged chronologically and given volume numbers.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of James R. Garrett, May 2021.
Scope and Contents
The John Work Garrett letter books is arranged into two series: Letter Books and Telegram Books. Series I consists of 15 letter books, while Series II consists of 3 telegram books. All 18 volumes are contained within 7 boxes. Each book is labeled on the front cover with the date the correspondence commenced, as well as the date the correspondence ended. The front pages of each book contain an index of the names of individuals to whom the letters and telegrams were addressed. John Work Garrett, President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, is the primary author of the messages. A second author is Edward Potts, who served as Secretary. The topics discussed involve all aspects of business necessary for the Office of the President, including finances, legal matters, engineering, and construction, among other matters.
Creator
- Title
- Guide to the John Work Garrett letter books
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Mallory Harwerth
- Date
- 2022-01
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750
specialcollections@mdhistory.org