North Bethesda in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Farm Road Bed
Like much of the Riley-Bolten House, the landscape was reinforced as part of the 1930s renovation. This macadam style road, uncovered during museum construction, replaced the earlier dirt farm road. While dirt roads were common in the nineteenth century, they were often impassable due to wet conditions and poor upkeep. Scottish engineer, John McAdam, developed a more sustainable road design in the 1800s that layered gravel over a base of large rocks to create a stable surface for carts and horses.
[Captions:]
A farm road once connected Old Georgetown Road (on the right) with Tilden Lane (at the top), passing north of the log kitchen before winding its way through the farm and outbuildings.
Farm roads were vital to connect the core of the plantation with the outer fields, and were often placed adjacent to buildings for ease of access. In 1900, 95% of roads in Montgomery County were dirt.
Erected 2021 by Montgomery Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 39° 2.646′ N, 77° 7.29′ W. Marker is in North Bethesda, Maryland, in Montgomery County. Marker can be reached from Old Georgetown
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Preserving the Riley-Bolten House (a few steps from this marker); A Royal Audience (within shouting distance of this marker); Return to the Riley Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); The Meathouse: A Food Vault (within shouting distance of this marker); Agriculture on the Riley Plantation (within shouting distance of this marker); The Riley Plantation (within shouting distance of this marker); Whose House Was This? (within shouting distance of this marker); Josiah Henson (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in North Bethesda.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 128 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
