Maryland is one of the smallest states in the United States, located in the Mid-Atlantic region. The state is home to many historical and cultural attractions and beautiful natural scenery.
This article will explore some interesting facts about Maryland that you may not have known.
- The Chesapeake Bay
Maryland is home to the largest estuary in the United States, the Chesapeake Bay.
The bay spans over 4,479 square miles, with an average depth of 21 feet. It is a vital ecosystem that supports over 3,600 species of plants and animals, including the iconic blue crab.
The Chesapeake Bay is also popular for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
- The State Flag
Maryland has one of the most unique state flags in the United States. The flag features the black and gold design of the Calvert family, the colonial proprietors of Maryland, and the red and white design of the Crossland family, who were also early settlers in the state.
The two families were united in 1701 when Charles Calvert, the third Lord Baltimore, married Margaret Crossland.
The state officially adopted the flag in 1904 and has been used in various forms ever since.
- The Old Line State
Maryland is known as the Old Line State, which refers to the Maryland Line, a group of soldiers who fought in the American Revolutionary War.
The Maryland Line played a crucial role in the Battle of Long Island in 1776, where they held the line against the British forces, allowing the rest of the Continental Army to escape.
George Washington later referred to the Maryland Line as his “Old Line.”
- The First Dental School
The world’s first dental school was established in Maryland in 1840. Dr. Horace H. Hayden and Dr. Chapin A. Harris founded the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery.
The school was a pioneer in dentistry, and many of its graduates went on to become leaders in the profession.
- The National Anthem
The Star-Spangled Banner, the United States national anthem, was written by Francis Scott Key during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814.
The key, a Maryland lawyer and amateur poet witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British forces and was inspired by the American flag that still flew over the fort the next morning.
The Star-Spangled Banner was officially recognized as the national anthem by Congress in 1931.
- The Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is located in Annapolis, Maryland. The academy was established in 1845 and is one of the most prestigious military institutions in the world.
Graduates of the Naval Academy go on to serve as officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
The academy is also a popular tourist destination, with many historic buildings and monuments on its campus.
- The Black-Eyed Susan
The Black-Eyed Susan is the state flower of Maryland. The flower is named after the black and yellow colors of the Maryland state flag and blooms in the late summer months.
The Black-Eyed Susan is a type of coneflower and is commonly found in meadows and fields throughout the state.
- The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, also known as the B&O Railroad, was the first railroad in the United States.
The railroad was established in 1827 and played a crucial role in the development of the country’s transportation infrastructure.
The B&O Railroad was also the first railroad to offer scheduled passenger service and the first to operate a locomotive designed specifically for passenger service.
- The Great Seal
The Great Seal of Maryland features several iconic symbols that represent the state’s history and culture. The seal was first adopted in 1648 and has undergone several revisions.
The current seal version features the Maryland state flag, a farmer and fisherman, and the Latin motto “Fatti Maschii, Parole Femine, ” meaning “Manly Deeds, Womanly Words.”
- The Edgar Allan Poe House
The Edgar Allan Poe House is located in Baltimore, Maryland, and is the former residence of the famous American author.
Poe lived in the house from 1833 to 1835, when he wrote several of his most famous works, including “MS. Found in a Bottle” and “Berenice.”
The house is now a museum and is open to the public for tours.
- The United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau headquarters is located in Suitland, Maryland. The bureau is responsible for conducting the decennial census, which counts the population of the United States every 10 years.
The data collected during the census is used for various purposes, including determining political representation and distributing federal funding.
- The National Cryptologic Museum
The National Cryptologic Museum is located in Annapolis Junction, Maryland and is dedicated to the history of cryptology, the science of secret communication.
The National Security Agency operates the museum and features exhibits on codebreaking and espionage throughout history.
The museum is open to the public and is a popular destination for history buffs and enthusiasts of the spy genre.
- The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park is located in Cambridge, Maryland and is dedicated to the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, a famous abolitionist and civil rights activist.
Tubman was born in Maryland and escaped slavery in 1849, after which she helped over 300 other slaves escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
The park features exhibits on Tubman’s life and the history of slavery in Maryland.
- The Maryland Renaissance Festival
The Maryland Renaissance Festival is an annual event held in Crownsville, Maryland that celebrates the culture and history of the Renaissance era.
The festival features live entertainment, food and drink, and artisan vendors selling handmade goods.
Visitors can participate in various activities, including jousting tournaments, archery contests, and costume contests.
- The Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
The Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is located in Baltimore, Maryland and is dedicated to defending Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812.
The fort was the site of the Battle of Baltimore, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner.
The site is now a national monument and historic shrine; visitors can tour the fort and view exhibits on its history.
- The Chesapeake Bay Bridge
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a major landmark in Maryland and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the country.
The bridge spans 4.3 miles across the Chesapeake Bay, connecting Maryland’s eastern and western shores. The bridge opened in 1952 and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
- The National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is located in Baltimore, Maryland and is one of the country’s largest and most visited aquariums.
The aquarium features over 20,000 animals and more than 700 species, including dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles.
The aquarium also features a 4D Immersion Theater and a Living Seashore exhibit, which allows visitors to touch and interact with live animals.
- The Maryland State House
The Maryland State House is located in Annapolis, Maryland and is the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use.
The building was completed in 1779 and has been the home of the Maryland General Assembly ever since.
The state house is also the site of several historic events, including the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolutionary War.
- The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum is located in Baltimore, Maryland and is dedicated to the life and legacy of Babe Ruth, one of the greatest baseball players ever.
The museum is located in Ruth’s childhood home and features exhibits on his life and career, as well as memorabilia and artifacts from his personal collection.
- The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race
The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race is an annual sailing race on the Chesapeake Bay. The race is open to schooners of all sizes and has been held annually since 1990.
The race begins in Baltimore and ends in Portsmouth, Virginia, covering a distance of over 120 nautical miles.
- The Maryland Wine Industry
The Maryland wine industry has grown rapidly in recent years and is home to over 90 wineries and vineyards.
The state is known for its high-quality wines, particularly its Chardonnays and Cabernet Francs.
The Maryland Wine Festival, held annually in September, is a major cultural event in the state and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
- The Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a breed of dog that was originally bred in Maryland to hunt waterfowl in the Chesapeake Bay.
The breed is known for its powerful swimming ability and its thick, waterproof coat. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was named the state dog of Maryland in 1964.
- The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a famous hiking trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine, passing through Maryland along the way.
The Maryland section of the trail is approximately 41 miles long and offers hikers a variety of terrain, including rocky ridges, lush forests, and scenic vistas.
- The Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum
The Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum is a popular attraction for train enthusiasts in Maryland.
The museum is in a restored railroad roundhouse and features exhibits on the history of railroading in the Hagerstown area.
Visitors can see historic train equipment and learn about the importance of the railroad to the local economy.
- Maryland Blue Crabs
Maryland is famous for its blue crabs, which are a staple of the state’s seafood industry.
The Chesapeake Bay is home to the largest blue crab fishery in the world, and crabbing is a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike. Maryland-style crab cakes are a must-try for anyone visiting the state.
- The Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is a famous horse race annually in Baltimore, Maryland. The race is part of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing and is the second leg of the series, following the Kentucky Derby.
The race is known for its festive atmosphere and is a major cultural event in the state.
In this article, we covered 28 amazing facts on Maryland. Keep learning!
I’m a former teacher (and mother of Two Childs) with a background in child development. I’m here to help you with play-based learning activities and crafts for kids ages 0 – 8. ( Cledemy.com is my Next startup on Pre to 8th Grade Printable and Worksheet Education Resources)
