Black Maria

Black Maria

The term "Black Maria" has been used historically to refer to a variety of things, most notably a type of police vehicle and an early film studio. This article will explore the origins and uses of the term "Black Maria" in different contexts.

Etymology

The origin of the term "Black Maria" is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century. The term was used to describe police vans used to transport prisoners. The name "Black Maria" may have been derived from the dark color of the vehicles and possibly from a reference to a notorious woman named Maria who was known for her strength and size, although this is speculative.

Black Maria as a Police Vehicle

File:Black Maria police van.jpg

A typical Black Maria police van from the early 20th century.

The "Black Maria" was a colloquial term for a police van used to transport prisoners. These vehicles were typically painted black and were used to move detainees from the scene of arrest to the police station or jail. The use of the term "Black Maria" for police vans became widespread in the United States and the United Kingdom during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The design of these vehicles was utilitarian, focusing on security and the ability to transport multiple prisoners at once. They were often equipped with barred windows and reinforced doors to prevent escape.

Black Maria as a Film Studio

File:Black Maria film studio.jpg

The Black Maria film studio, built by Thomas Edison.

The "Black Maria" was also the name of the first film production studio in the United States, built by Thomas Edison in 1893. Located in West Orange, New Jersey, the Black Maria was a small, tar-paper-covered building that could rotate to follow the sun, allowing for optimal lighting conditions for filming.

The studio was used to produce some of the earliest motion pictures, including short films featuring vaudeville acts, boxing matches, and other performances. The Black Maria played a crucial role in the development of the film industry and is considered a significant milestone in the history of cinema.

Cultural References

The term "Black Maria" has appeared in various cultural contexts, including literature, music, and film. It has been used in songs, novels, and movies to evoke imagery of law enforcement or the early days of cinema.

Also see

• Thomas Edison
• History of film
• Police van
• Cinema of the United States

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