Maryland

Also known as: The State of Maryland, The Old Line State, The Free State

Maryland – The Old Line State ⚓🦀

⚔️ The Old Line State: Popularized by George Washington, honoring the brave Maryland troops (“the Maryland Line”) who served in the Revolutionary War.

🕊️ The Free State: Originated after the Maryland Constitution of 1864 abolished slavery and was reinforced in the 1920s when Maryland opposed Prohibition.

🗺️ America in Miniature / Little America: Refers to Maryland’s remarkable geographic diversity — from Atlantic beaches and marshlands to rolling farmland and Appalachian mountains.

🐢 The Terrapin State: References the Diamondback Terrapin, the state reptile and University of Maryland mascot.

🦪 The Oyster State: Highlights the major role oysters play in the Chesapeake Bay’s economy and culture.

🏛️ The Monumental State: Often associated with Baltimore, known for its many historic monuments.

🎆 The Star-Spangled State: Recognizes Maryland’s key role in the War of 1812 and the writing of the U.S. national anthem.

👥 Resident Nickname
People from Maryland are known as Marylanders.

📍 Basic Overview

Official Name: State of Maryland
Nickname: The Old Line State
Capital: Annapolis
Largest City: Baltimore
Admission to the Union: April 28, 1788 (7th state)
Population (2024 est.): ~6.2 million
Total Area: 12,407 sq mi

Maryland is known for the Chesapeake Bay, blue crabs, colonial history, and proximity to Washington, D.C.

🗺️ Geography & Natural Features 🌊🌄

Borders:

• Pennsylvania
• Delaware
• Virginia
• West Virginia

Maryland surrounds much of the Chesapeake Bay and is one of the smallest yet most geographically diverse states.

Highest Point:

• Hoye-Crest (3,360 ft)

Major waterways:

• Chesapeake Bay
• Potomac River
• Patapsco River

Maryland contains coastal plains, rolling piedmont, and Appalachian mountain terrain.

📜 History

🏹 Indigenous Peoples

• Piscataway
• Susquehannock
• Nanticoke

🇬🇧 Colonial Era

Founded in 1632 as a haven for English Catholics under Lord Baltimore.

🇺🇸 American Revolution

One of the original 13 colonies; ratified the Constitution in 1788.

⚔️ Civil War

Border state that remained in the Union.

Major battle:

• Battle of Antietam (bloodiest single-day battle in U.S. history)

🏛 Government

Executive: Governor
Legislative: Maryland General Assembly
Judicial: Supreme Court of Maryland

Current Governor (2026): Wes Moore

Maryland has 23 counties and 1 independent city (Baltimore).

🏙 Major Cities 🌆

⚓ Baltimore

Largest city; historic port

🏛 Annapolis

Capital; home of the U.S. Naval Academy

🌊 Frederick

🌆 Rockville

🦀 Ocean City

💼 Economy 💰

Major industries:

• Biotechnology & healthcare
• Federal government & defense
• Maritime trade
• Tourism
• Agriculture (poultry, seafood)

Maryland has one of the highest median household incomes in the U.S.

📍 Basic Overview

Official Name: State of Maine
Nickname: The Pine Tree State
Capital: Augusta
Largest City: Portland
Admission to the Union: March 15, 1820 (23rd state)
Population (2024 est.): ~1.4 million
Total Area: 35,380 sq mi

Maine is the northeasternmost U.S. state, known for rugged coastline, forests, lobster fishing, and maritime heritage.

🦅 Official State Symbols

🐦 State Bird

Baltimore Oriole

🌸 State Flower

Black-Eyed Susan

🌳 State Tree

White Oak

🐢 State Reptile

Diamondback Terrapin

🦀 State Crustacean

Blue Crab

🏛 State Motto

“Fatti Maschii, Parole Femine”
(“Manly deeds, womanly words”)

Maryland’s flag is one of the most distinctive in the U.S.

🏞 National Parks (ALL)

Maryland has no full NP designation park but several major NPS units:

• Antietam National Battlefield
• Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
• Assateague Island National Seashore
• Catoctin Mountain Park

Fort McHenry inspired the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

🌲 National Forests

Maryland contains one national forest:

• Green Ridge State Forest (largest public land area in the state; state-managed)

Note: Maryland does not have a federally designated U.S. National Forest.

🦅 National Wildlife Refuges

Examples include:

• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
• Patuxent Research Refuge

🏕 Maryland State Parks (Selected Highlights)

Maryland has 70+ state parks and recreation areas.

Major examples:

• Sandy Point State Park
• Deep Creek Lake State Park
• Calvert Cliffs State Park

📊 Maryland Public Lands Summary

• National Battlefield
• National Monument
• National Seashore
• National Park Units
• Multiple Wildlife Refuges
• 70+ State Parks
• Chesapeake Bay shoreline

Maryland blends colonial roots, maritime heritage, and modern innovation.

⚓ Culture & Traditions 🦀

• Chesapeake Bay seafood
• Blue crab feasts
• Sailing and maritime festivals
• Colonial heritage
• Proximity to Washington, D.C.

🏈 Professional Sports

• Baltimore Ravens
• Baltimore Orioles

🎬 Movies Filmed in Maryland 🎥

• Wedding Crashers
• The Blair Witch Project
• Hairspray

⭐ Famous People from Maryland

• Babe Ruth
• Billie Holiday
• Thurgood Marshall
• Michael Phelps

✝ Faith & Reflection

Maryland began as a refuge for religious freedom and remains rich in early American history.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” — Psalm 33:12

From Chesapeake waters to Appalachian ridges, Maryland reflects strength, heritage, and resilience.