William Preston Lane, Jr.

William Preston Lane, Jr. (May 12, 1892 - February 7, 1967), a member of the United States Democratic Party, was the 52^nd Governor of Maryland in the United States from 1947 to 1951.

William Preston Lane, born in Hagerstown, Maryland, was a direct descendent of several Maryland pioneer families. He attended public school in Hagerstown before graduating from the University of Virginia in 1915 with a law degree. After being admitted to the Bar, Lane began practicing law in his hometown. He joined the 115th Infantry during the First World War and fought in France at the rank of captain. Lane married Dorothy Byron in 1922 and had two daughters, Dorothy and Jean.

In 1930, Lane was elected Attorney General of Maryland. In 1933, he pursued an investigation of a lynching even though it meant losing political support on the largely discriminatory eastern shore of Maryland.

In 1946, Lane defeated challenger Theodore R. McKeldin for governor 54% to 45%. As governor, Lane and his administration were noted for their work with public education and in improving the state mental health system. The massive highway improvements overseen by his successor were actually initiated by Lane. He requested a master highway construction plan from the State Roads Commission which required a sales tax be implemented. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which now carries his name, was completed in 1952 under this plan.

Lane's implementation of a sales tax to pay for his roads project cost him re-election in 1951. He was defeated by his challenger in the previous election, Theodore R. McKeldin, 57% to 42%, the largest margin in Maryland history up to that point.

Building dedications

• William Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial Bridge (more commonly known as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge). [1]

Bilbiography

William Preston Lane Jr.. December 09, 1998. Maryland State Archives. Oct 25, 2004. [2]