Maryland has long been a cultural crossroads. For at least 12,000 years people have left traces of their existence in the form of settlements, roads and artifacts. The physical remains of our past are known as cultural resources and reveal how Native Americans, European Americans, and African Americans, among others, used Maryland's diverse landscape.
The Cultural Crossroads brochure provides an overview of SHA's responsibility and commitment to the preservation of Maryland's significant archaeology sites, buildings and bridges. View the Cultural Crossroads pamphlet online or download a printable version.
SHA archeologists study the past through the physical remains people left behind. These remains can be as small as a pottery fragment or as large as a sunken ship. Archeologists carefully excavate, record, and interpret artifacts that help explain the activities of people who lived in Maryland but may have left few or no written records.
The hallmarks Maryland’s diverse cultural heritage are everywhere - from the 17th century signposts of Maryland’s settlers to mid-twentieth century suburban developments. SHA architectural historians expand the understanding of our past by combining the investigation and study of historic standing structures with the research and interpretation of historic documents. SHA Architectural Historians partner with the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) to survey, identify, and record Maryland’s historic standing structures in our mission to implement Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Maryland Environmental Policy Act (MEPA).
The Parkton Stone Arch Bridge was constructed in 1809. It is the oldest bridge in the Maryland still in use on MD 463 over Little Gunpowder Falls in Parkton, Baltimore County.
Bridges hold a special place in our cultural landscape. They represent links to our past, other communities and economic opportunity. Maryland has a number of historic bridges eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. In keeping with the National Historic Preservation Act and with our own commitment to protecting Maryland's unique structures, SHA has worked with the Maryland Historical Trust to identify historic bridges and small structures throughout the state. Click here to view the Maryland Historic Highway Bridges brochure.
Below are links to publications with detailed information about Maryland's historic bridges:
Click here to access an interactive map of Maryland bridges and archival photographs.
Native American Consultation
Environmental Planning Division
State Highway Administration
707 North Calvert StreetBaltimore, MD 21202
707 North Calvert Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202-3601
Main Business Line – 410-545-0300
Safety Campaigns – 1-800-323-6742
For emergencies, call MDOT SHA's Statewide Operations Center at 410-582-5650.
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