Digging holes seems like child’s play. But not when you’re the crew at Martin Marietta’s Texas Quarry. Their hole isn’t measured in feet, but rather in miles: a mile long and a half mile wide, to be exact. This massive pit supplied marble used to build the walkway to the Capitol in Annapolis and the portico for St. Paul’s Cathedral in NYC. Our Washington Monument in Baltimore and a section of the Washington Monument in DC are also made from Texas marble. The history of this quarry goes back even further to 1802 and the first Irish immigrants to the region. On this tour, let’s watch the heavy equipment dig and haul while discovering the stories of those immigrants.
We will learn the quarry’s history, including past and current ownership and daily operations. This tour is based on a scenic overlook above the quarry. From there, we can view the equipment at work in the distance. The quarry pit and operations are not open to the public, as it is an active job site. The crew is working about a mile away — binoculars are recommended for closer viewing.
- We’ll include our meeting location in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
- Everyone aged 5 years and older is welcome to attend. However, children must be able to sit and listen to the presentation throughout. You may leave at any time if children become a disruption.
- Proper outdoor etiquette is required. No climbing, running, or loud voices. Be respectful of our speakers by demonstrating good listening skills.
- Photos are welcome.
- Bring binoculars to see the trucks working across the pit. It is over a mile wide.
- Picnic tables are available for seating. You may bring lawn chairs.
- There is no walking except from the parking lot to the viewpoint. Only personnel have access to the interior of the operation.
In case of inclement weather, Martin-Marietta may cancel this tour, and NHSM will notify you. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
Martin-Marietta offers this trip only to groups, not individuals. Please consider our registration fees as a donation to NHSM to cover administrative costs.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless NHSM cancels them. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:-
Education for All: $3
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NHSM Suggested Donation: $7
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Non Member Donation: $10
Thank you for this donation. Your money directly supports our programming.