Fun Facts about Maryland for Kids
The land now known as Maryland has a history of civilization stretching back about 13,000 years, though humans may have been in the area as early as 21,000 years ago. As a result, Archaeologists have found arrowheads, beads, and other items in and around the Chesapeake Bay.
Later, Native American tribes, including the Lenape, Nanticoke, Powhatan, Susquehannock, and Shawnee, lived on the land before it was colonized by the British. So it is apt that Maryland was named after Queen Henrietta Maria of England.
Let’s learn about even more Maryland fun facts together!
1. The Old Line State has Revolutionary Origins
Maryland’s most famous nickname, the Old Line State, is said to honor 400 Revolutionary War soldiers who fought 10,000 British soldiers in 1776.
Notably, the soldiers, known as the “Maryland Line,” held off the British long enough for George Washington and the rest of the American army to escape.
2. Oh Say, Can You See?
Native Marylander, Francis Scott Key, wrote the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner” on September 14, 1814, after he watched the attack of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy. This happened during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812.
He was inspired by the large United States flag (then known as the Star-Spangled Banner) that flew over the fort after the battle.
3. Feeling Crabby? You’re in the Right Place!
The state of Maryland is legendary for its seafood, especially crabs and clams. In fact, the state produces more blue crabs and soft clams than any other state in the US!
As a result, if you travel to the Chesapeake Bay area, you’ll find that they sell more crab cakes than hamburgers and hot dogs combined! Sounds delish!
4. A Capital for the Nation… for a Minute
Annapolis, Maryland, became the capital of the United States in 1783 after the US won the Revolutionary War… but only for less than a year. Then, in 1789, the city of Havre de Grace missed out on becoming the nation’s capital by only one vote!
Eventually, Maryland gave up some of its land so that Washington, DC could be built. That said, the Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol building still in use in the United States, and the only capitol to serve as both the national and state capitol.
5. An Important Part of the Underground Railroad
Maryland became a vital part of the Underground Railroad in 1850, all thanks to a woman named Harriet Tubman. Born in Maryland, Tubman fled the state to escape enslavement, but returned to rescue others and lead them to freedom.
You see, Maryland was just south of the Mason-Dixon line, which was considered the border between the Southern and Northern states. Even though it was technically a part of the South, Maryland sided with the Union in the North during the Civil War. Enslavement was officially abolished in the state in 1864.
6. College Park Airport has quite a History
Located in, you guessed it, College Park, Maryland, the College Park Airport is the oldest continuously operated airport in the world. The Wright brothers established the airport in 1909, and it has been the site of many aviation milestones, including the first military aviation training, the first postal air delivery, and the first controlled helicopter flight.
This is why it is known as the “Field of Firsts.” Today, the College Park Airport has shifted from military operations to public use.
7. Diverse Terrain is Kind of Maryland’s Thing
In the 1970s, National Geographic called Maryland “America in Miniature” because nearly every kind of terrain can be found in the state.
For example, there are sandy dunes with seagrass along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, low sprawling marshes near the Chesapeake Bay, vast acres of farmland, oak forests in the Piedmont region, and pine groves in the rocky Appalachian Mountains.
8. In the Navy
Annapolis has been home to the United States Naval Academy since October 10, 1845. It replaced the Philadelphia Naval Asylum and is the second oldest of the five US service academies.
The entire campus, known as the Yard, is a National Historic Landmark home to historic sites, monuments, and buildings. The setting is fitting, given that Annapolis is also known as the “Sailing Capital of the World.”
9. Maryland is Home to the First Dental School
In 1828, St. Francis Academy in Maryland became the world’s first dental school. It became the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (BCDS) in 1839. The BCDS was then combined with the Dental Department of the University of Maryland in 1923.
Additionally, the school is ranked 8th amongst public colleges and universities today.
10. Newspapers Aren’t History in Maryland
Lastly, printers launched The Maryland Gazette in 1727, establishing it as the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United States. Today, readers know it as The Capital. Extra, extra!
More Fun Facts About Maryland
Black-eyed Susan: State Flower
White oak: State Tree
Baltimore oriole: State Bird
State Motto: “Fatti maschii parole femine.” (“Strong deeds, gentle words.”)
