Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Maryland

1. State Motto: "Fatti maschii, parole femine" (Manly deeds, womanly words).
2. State Bird: Baltimore Oriole.
3. State Flower: Black-Eyed Susan.
4. Maryland is known for its blue crabs and the Chesapeake Bay, one of the largest estuaries in the world.
5. Fort McHenry in Baltimore inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."
6. Annapolis is known as the "Sailing Capital of the World."
7. Maryland was one of the original 13 colonies and played a key role in the Revolutionary War.
8. The first railroad station in the U.S. was built in Baltimore in 1829.
9. The state is home to the first dental school in the world, founded at the University of Maryland in 1840.
10. Antietam National Battlefield was the site of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history during the Civil War.
11. Ocean City is a popular destination with miles of sandy beaches and a lively boardwalk.
12. Maryland is nicknamed "America in Miniature" because it has a variety of landscapes, from mountains to beaches.
13. The state has a rich maritime history, with the Chesapeake Bay serving as a hub for trade and fishing.
14. The U.S. Naval Academy, established in 1845, is located in Annapolis.
15. Maryland's flag is based on the heraldic banner of George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore.

Geography of Maryland

Maryland features diverse landscapes, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Backbone Mountain (3,360 feet).
• Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean (sea level).
• Major Rivers: Potomac River, Patuxent River, and Susquehanna River.

A Brief History of Maryland

Maryland's history is rooted in its role as one of the original 13 colonies and its pivotal place in American history:

• Founded in 1634 as a haven for English Catholics by George Calvert, Lord Baltimore.
• Maryland became the 7th state of the U.S. on April 28, 1788.
• Played a significant role in the Civil War as a border state.

Top 10 Things to Do in Maryland

1. Explore the Inner Harbor in Baltimore.
2. Visit Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the U.S. national anthem.
3. Relax on the beaches of Ocean City.
4. Tour the Chesapeake Bay and enjoy fresh seafood.
5. Walk the historic streets of Annapolis and visit the U.S. Naval Academy.
6. Explore Antietam National Battlefield for Civil War history.
7. Visit the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
8. Hike in the Appalachian Mountains at Catoctin Mountain Park.
9. Tour the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center.
10. Take a scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Top 10 Destinations in Maryland

1. Baltimore
2. Annapolis
3. Chesapeake Bay
4. Ocean City
5. Antietam National Battlefield

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Maryland, visit the state's official tourism site: Visit Maryland