B 



in its first year of use. By 1941, over half the crop was 

 auctioned through the loose-leaf method. 



With the use of more modern auction methods came 

 a more efficient distribution of the crop and a greater 

 popularity for Maryland tobacco. "Grain Highway," 

 Route 301, was constructed traversing north-south 

 through the tobacco-growing areas. Some heavy in- 

 dustry was moved in and a naval base was built in St. 

 Mary's county, bringing the first rail service to that 

 area. Technology and modernization were helping to 

 transform the Southern Maryland sections from a quiet 

 agricultural district to a bustling agri-industrial com- 

 munity, and the population began to grow as a result 

 of this. 



oom town — U.S.A. 



By 1950, the total value of the Southern Maryland 

 tobacco crop came to $19.2 million, representing 10 

 percent of Maryland's agriculture crop value. Since the 

 Civil War, average Maryland tobacco prices had grown 

 from 6.8 cents per pound to 48.2 cents. 



Throughout the 1950's a multitude of improvements 

 took place. Route 301 was dualized, Calvert and 

 Charles counties were linked by a bridge at Benedict 

 and numerous road improvements made automobile 

 travel even easier. After a long period of either stable 

 or declining population. Southern Maryland became 

 one of the fastest growing areas in the state. 



Today, Maryland's tobacco economy continues to 

 thrive. Staunchly based on a long history of excellent 

 crops and sales, Maryland tobacco has proudly retained 

 the unique and outstanding status which it so deserves. 



32 



