Maryland

U.S. state

Maryland is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered by Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware and the Atlantic Ocean to its east. The state's largest city is Baltimore, and its capital is Annapolis.

History

1732 map of Maryland

Maryland was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution. It was founded as a proprietary colony by Cecil Calvert, Lord Baltimore in 1632. The colony was named in honor of Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I of England.

War of 1812

Bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814

During the War of 1812, Maryland was the site of the Battle of Baltimore, during which Fort McHenry successfully defended the city from British attack. This battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner," which later became the national anthem of the United States.

American Civil War

Battle of Antietam

Maryland was a border state during the American Civil War, and it remained in the Union despite being a slave state. The Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862, was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history and took place near Sharpsburg.

20th Century

Rubble of the Great Baltimore Fire

In the early 20th century, Maryland experienced significant industrial growth. The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 destroyed much of downtown Baltimore, but the city was quickly rebuilt.

Geography

Maryland is known for its diverse geography, ranging from sandy dunes in the east to rolling hills in the Piedmont region and forested mountains in the west. The state is divided into five geographical regions: the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, and the Appalachian Plateau.

Natural Features

Deep Creek Lake

Maryland is home to numerous natural features, including Deep Creek Lake, the largest inland body of water in the state, and the Great Falls of the Potomac River.

Cliffs at Great Falls, Maryland

The Chesapeake Bay is a significant feature of Maryland's geography, providing a rich habitat for wildlife and a vital resource for the state's economy.

Economy

Maryland has a diverse economy with significant contributions from sectors such as biotechnology, information technology, and aerospace. The state is also known for its agriculture, particularly the production of poultry, corn, and soybeans.

Culture

Maryland has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history as a colonial state and its diverse population. The state is known for its seafood, particularly blue crabs, and its annual Maryland Renaissance Festival.

Related pages

• Baltimore
• Annapolis, Maryland
• Chesapeake Bay
• Fort McHenry