Maryland: The Old Line State

Introduction

Maryland is called “The Old Line State.” It is one of the original 13 colonies. It has cities, farmland, beaches, and forests. It is known for Chesapeake Bay, blue crabs, and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Quick Fact Box

• State Name: Maryland
• Nickname: The Old Line State
• Capital: Annapolis
• Largest City: Baltimore
• Statehood: April 28, 1788 (7th state)
• Population: About 6.2 million
• State Bird: Baltimore Oriole
• State Flower: Black-Eyed Susan
• State Tree: White Oak
• State Motto: “Fatti maschii, parole femine” (Strong deeds, gentle words)
• Major Industries: Shipping, biotechnology, education, government, seafood

Where in the USA is Maryland?

Maryland is in the Mid-Atlantic region. It borders Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, and D.C. It spans from the mountains to the Atlantic. It surrounds much of Chesapeake Bay.

Landmarks and Attractions

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor has the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, and USS Constellation. Annapolis hosts the U.S. Naval Academy and colonial buildings. Assateague Island has wild horses. Deep Creek Lake is for fishing and hiking. Fort McHenry inspired the national anthem.

State Symbols & Emblems

The Baltimore Oriole is the state bird. The Black-Eyed Susan is the state flower. The White Oak is the state tree. The flag shows Calvert and Crossland arms. The motto means “Strong deeds, gentle words.”

People, Culture & Economy

Maryland has urban and rural areas. It has diverse communities. It’s called “mini-America.” The Port of Baltimore is a busy shipping hub. Chesapeake seafood is famous. Biotech and government jobs are plentiful. Tourism thrives.

Famous People from Maryland

• Frederick Douglass – Abolitionist and author
• Harriet Tubman – Underground Railroad leader
• Thurgood Marshall – First African American Supreme Court Justice
• Jada Pinkett Smith – Actress
• Michael Phelps – Olympic swimmer
• Ta-Nehisi Coates – Author and journalist
• Francis Scott Key – Wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner”
• Logic – Rapper

Climate, Ecosystems & Conservation

Maryland has mixed climate. Coastal areas have mild winters and hot summers. Mountains get colder. Ecosystems include estuaries, marshes, forests, and ridges. Chesapeake Bay hosts crabs, oysters, waterfowl, and many species. Conservation groups work to protect the bay.

Government, Education & Everyday Life

The governor leads the executive branch. The legislature has House and Senate. The judicial branch is state courts. The capital is Annapolis. Universities include University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins. Residents enjoy seafood festivals, boating, hiking, and sports.

Vocabulary Words

1. Estuary – Where river water meets the ocean.
2. Abolitionist – Someone who worked to end slavery.
3. Port – A place where ships load and unload.
4. Jousting – A medieval sport still held in Maryland.
5. Bay – A body of water partly enclosed by land.
6. Harbor – A sheltered area for anchoring ships.
7. Pollution – Harmful waste in the environment.
8. Aquarium – A place that displays sea life.
9. Mini-America – A nickname for Maryland’s variety.
10. Conservation – Protecting nature and wildlife.

Fun Facts

• The national anthem was written here.
• Over 4,000 miles of shoreline thanks to the bay.
• Annapolis is the Sailing Capital of the World.
• Wild horses roam Assateague Island.
• Jousting is the state sport.
• The first U.S. railroad station was in Baltimore.
• One of the richest states by household income.

Quiz: Test Your Maryland Knowledge!

Choose the correct answer for each question.

    What is Maryland’s nickname?
    a) The Garden State
    b) The Bay State
    c) The Old Line State
    d) The Ocean State

    What city is Maryland’s capital?
    a) Baltimore
    b) Annapolis
    c) Rockville
    d) Frederick

    What bird is Maryland’s state bird?
    a) Blue Jay
    b) Cardinal
    c) Baltimore Oriole
    d) Robin

    What large body of water is important to Maryland’s culture and economy?
    a) Atlantic Ocean
    b) Mississippi River
    c) Chesapeake Bay
    d) Great Lakes

    What is Maryland’s state flower?
    a) Rose
    b) Sunflower
    c) Black-Eyed Susan
    d) Tulip

    What famous American wrote the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner”?
    a) Benjamin Franklin
    b) Francis Scott Key
    c) George Washington
    d) Thomas Jefferson

    What is Maryland’s state sport?
    a) Baseball
    b) Football
    c) Jousting
    d) Basketball

    What kind of climate does Maryland have?
    a) Tropical
    b) Arctic
    c) Desert
    d) Varied with four seasons

    What wild animals roam free on Assateague Island?
    a) Bears
    b) Horses
    c) Wolves
    d) Goats

    What seasoning is famous on Maryland crabs?
    a) Garlic salt
    b) Old Bay
    c) Pepper
    d) Lemon zest