Exhibit of Governors' Portraits in the Governor's Reception Room, Maryland State House

[photograph the portrait of Governor Theodore R. McKeldin]

THEODORE R. MCKELDIN, 1900-1974
Fifty-third Governor, 1951-1959 (Republican)
Portrait by Albert K. Murray (b.1906), 1961.
Commissioned by the State.
MSA SC 1545-1097

Theodore McKeldin was born on November 30, 1900 in Baltimore. He attended public schools, graduated from Baltimore City College, and earned his bachelor of law degree from the University of Maryland in 1925. He also did graduate work at The Johns Hopkins University. He ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of Baltimore in 1939, and for Governor in 1942. In 1943 he ran again for mayor and was elected. A highlight of his administration was the construction of Friendship (now BWI) Airport. In 1950 he ran again for governor, defeating incumbent William Preston Lane by the largest majority any governor had received to that time. His administration was marked by the initiation of a massive, 12-year program of road-building recommended by Governor Lane that included the John Hanson Highway, the Baltimore and Washington Beltways, the first tunnel under the Patapsco River and many other projects that gave Maryland one of the best highway systems in the nation. His administration also began construction of the state office buildings in Baltimore and Annapolis, and he reorganized state government to increase its economy and efficiency. After two terms as governor, he retired to his law practice in Baltimore, and, in 1963, was elected to his second term as mayor. A major goal of his administration was the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor. McKeldin married Honolulu Manzer on October 17, 1924. They had two children, Theodore, Jr. and Clara. Governor McKeldin died on August 10, 1974.


This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user.

Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!
© Copyright December 09, 1998 Maryland State Archives