On August 24, we usher in the 7th state to join the Union with National Maryland Day. Maryland’s coastal location brings with it a deeply rooted maritime heritage that includes an ocean battle defending the city of Baltimore at Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812. One witness to the action became so inspired, Francis Scott Key penned the words that later became our National Anthem.
by Charles River Editors (Author)
Chesapeake Bay
Just over 200 years before these traditions flourished, Captian John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay and the Nanticoke River. He kept a record of his travels, documenting the Native American people. Smith wrote about their cultures, the abundant animal, and plant life. Since this vast watershed is the largest estuary in the United States, the complex ecosystem thrives with diverse plant and wildlife.
by Karen Ordahl Kupperman (Editor)
Boardwalk
Spending a weekend or a vacation at Ocean City with friends or family is a highlight of any Maryland trip. The boardwalk and beaches provide plenty of relaxation, adventure, and fun in the sun. The Eastern Shore offers scenic views, site seeing, peaceful accommodations, festivals and events for everyone.
Civil War History
Head west to Antitiem and Maryland will take you into another era. Here, the battlefields and Antietam National Cemetery hold a solemn reminder of the bloodiest singled day battle of the Civil War that occurred on September 17, 1862. Five days later, President Lincoln issued a Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Although Maryland was a southern state as defined by the Mason-Dixon line, it never seceded from the Union. While many families throughout the war fought on opposing sides, for Maryland families, it was a reoccurring theme.
Industry
Being located close to Washington D.C. makes Maryland ideal for aerospace, defense, and federal cybersecurity jobs. The state’s fishing industry thrives and is the largest producer of blue crabs in the state. The Oldline State is also home to McCormick & Company, Perdue Farms, Lockheed Martin, Black & Decker and Underarmor.
Official Maryland
State Capital – Annapolis
State Nickname – The Old Line State
State Motto – Fatti maschs parole femine
State Bird – Baltimore Oriole
State Flower – Black-eyed Susan
State Folk Dance – Square Dance
State Fish – Rockfish
State Dessert – Smith Island Cake
State Fossil – Ecphora gardnerae
State Tree – White Oak
State Song – Maryland, My Maryland
State Gemstone – Patuxent River Stone
State Insect – Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly
NOTABLE PEOPLE
Johns Hopkins – Philanthropist – (May 19, 1795 – December 24, 1873)
by Antero Pietila (Author)
Harriet Tubman – Activist – (1822 – March 10, 1913)
by Catherine Clinton (Author)
Frederick Douglass – Journalist – Activist – ( unknown – February 20, 1895)
by David W. Blight (Author)
Upton Sinclair – Author – (September 20, 1878 – November 25, 1968)
by Kevin Mattson (Author)
Babe Ruth – Professional Athlete – (February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948)
by Leigh Montville (Author)
Thurgood Marshall – Supreme Court Justice – (July 2, 1908 – January 24, 1993)
by Mark V. Tushnet (Editor), Randall Kennedy (Foreword)
Barbara Mikulski – U.S. Representative – (July 20, 1936 – )
Mike Roe – Television host – (March 18, 1962 – )
by Mike Rowe (Author)
Maryland Flavor
Milk
Cream of Crab Soup
Fisher’s popcorn
Stuffed Ham
Crab dip
Berger Cookies
Steamed Crab
Crab Cakes
Thrashers Fries
Marylanders know their crab. It’s a big deal. Crab cakes, crab dip, steamed crab or a good old fashioned crab boil. However, they serve it up, they serve it deliciously and with pride. They know their seafood, but they know their crab. Don’t forget the Old Bay, either.
Follow that with Thrashers Fries and Fisher’s Popcorn from Ocean City’s boardwalk. It’s a required stop.
by Fisher’s Popcorn
Stuffed ham gains a favored place on the table in Maryland. Seasoned cabbage, kale, and onions are stuffed into a boneless ham, boiled and served cold.
For dessert, Marylanders like peach pot pie and the official state dessert, Smith Island Cake. Peach pot pie is similar to a cobbler with a sweet biscuit crust. As August 24th is also Peach Pie Day, it could be that this is how the tradition got started. The eight layers of the Smith Island Cake features fudge and moist yellow cake.
But, let’s remember crabs, in whole or part, are outstanding in Maryland.
Hidden Treasures
National Capital Radio & Television Museum – Bowie
John Paul Jones’ Crypt – Annapolis
Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave – Baltimore
College Park Airport and Aviation Museum – College Park
Underground Railroad Experience Trail – Ashton-Sandy Spring
Gathland State Park – Frederick County
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMarylandDay
This beautiful state spans mountains and oceans, countryside and metropolis. Celebrate Maryland’s people and their history on August 24. Use #NationalMarylandDay to share on social media.
