Introduction - Maryland
Maryland is a small coastal state located in the northeast region of the United States bordering Washington DC, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. It also borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay to the east. What Maryland lacks in size, it makes up for in its diversity; from the people who live there to the landscape and typography of the state. Maryland is a state where kids and adults can frolic on the 4,431 miles of shoreline and visit the numerous attractions and points of interest in the bustling metropolitan city of Baltimore. Many interesting facts about Maryland, such as why it is called "America in Miniature" are listed in the quick facts, historical facts and interesting facts sections below. This information is written or kids and adults.Click here for a great selection of Amazon.com books about Maryland.
Maryland State Quick Facts
- Maryland was the 7th state in the United States of America.
- Maryland was granted statehood on April 28, 1788.
- The state capital of Maryland is Annapolis.
- The largest city in Maryland is Baltimore.
- The population of Maryland is 5,928,814 (source 2013 United States Census Bureau estimate).
- In terms of the size of Maryland, it is one of the smallest of the 50 states (42nd biggest) but it is one of the most densely populated.
- Maryland ranks 19th in most populous state in the United States, (source 2013 United States Census Bureau estimate).
- The state flower of Maryland is the Rudbeckia hirta, also known as the Black-Eyed Susan.
- Residents of Maryland are called Marylanders.
- The most popular nickname for this state is "Old Line State".
- Major bodies of water within this U.S. state include the Susquehanna River, Potomac River, Patapsco River and Patuxent River as well as Prettyboy Reservoir, Loch Raven Reservoir, Deep Creek Lake and Lake Oakland.
- Maryland, My Maryland is the official state song.
Interesting Maryland Facts
- The Susquehanna River in Maryland is 440 miles long (708 km) and is the largest non-navigable river in North America.
- Annapolis is regarded by many as the sailing capital of the world.
- Maryland is sometimes called "America in Miniature" because so much diversity is found within its 10,460 square miles (27,091 square km) of land and water.
- The Maryland State House in Annapolis, dates back to 1772 and is the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use.
- Although temporary, Annapolis became the first capital of the United States from 1783 - 1784.
- Almost half of the land surface of Maryland is covered by forest, which includes forty-seven state parks.
- The United States Naval Academy was established in 1845 on 10 acres of what was once Fort Severn in Annapolis, Maryland.
Historical Maryland Facts
- Maryland was one of the 13 original British colonies in America.
- The bloodiest single day in American history took place near Sharpsburg Maryland on September 17th 1862 at the Battle of Antietam during the American Civil War. This horrible day resulted in approximately 23,000 men killed or wounded.
- According to many historians, Maryland's nickname, Old Line State, dates back to the American Revolution. Maryland regiments were very heroic at the Battle of Long Island and in covering the Continental Army as it retreated from the battle. It is said that George Washington praised the line of Maryland troops.
- Located in Baltimore, The Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is America's first Roman Catholic Cathedral. It opened in 1821.
- Francis Scott Key, who wrote the lyrics to the U.S. National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner), was born in Frederick County, Maryland (now Carroll County).