History of Maryland, USA

1788 - Maryland became seventh U. S. state

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1791 - Maryland donated land for new capital in Washington, D.C.
In 1791, Maryland played a crucial role in the establishment of the United States capital by donating land for the creation of Washington, D.C. This donation, alongside land from Virginia, was pivotal in fulfilling the provisions of the Residence Act of 1790, which aimed to establish a permanent national capital along the Potomac River. The selected site was strategically chosen for its central location among the states and its accessibility for trade and transportation.

The land donation by Maryland, which encompassed parts of Prince George's and Montgomery counties, facilitated the creation of a federal district that would serve as the seat of government. This area, initially spanning 100 square miles, was meticulously surveyed and planned by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, whose vision included wide avenues, public squares, and significant buildings like the Capitol and the White House. Maryland's contribution was instrumental in shaping the new capital, allowing it to grow into the... Read MORE...

1813 - First steamboat, the Chesapeake, appeared in Chesapeake Bay; British raided Havre de Grace

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1814 - Francis Scott Key wrote "Star Spangled Banner" during British attack of Fort McHenry
In September 1814, during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key witnessed a pivotal moment in American history as he observed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. Key, a lawyer and amateur poet, had boarded a British ship to negotiate the release of an American prisoner. Held aboard the ship overnight, he anxiously watched as the British navy unleashed a relentless attack on the fort. The dawn of September 14th revealed that the American flag still proudly flew over Fort McHenry, signaling the fort's endurance and the failure of the British assault.

Moved by the sight of the resilient flag, Key penned a poem titled "Defence of Fort M'Henry," which he later set to the tune of a popular British song. This poem, celebrating the American spirit and resilience, was eventually renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner." The song's powerful imagery and patriotic fervor resonated deeply with the American public, and it was officially adopted as the national anthem of the... Read MORE...

1828 - Construction began on nation's first railroad - the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
In 1828, the construction of the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad marked a significant milestone in American transportation history. This project was initiated to create a faster and more efficient means of moving goods and passengers over land, addressing the limitations of the existing canal systems. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on July 4, 1828, with Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, symbolically laying the first stone. The B&O Railroad was envisioned as a crucial link between the Atlantic seaboard and the burgeoning western territories, stimulating economic growth and facilitating westward expansion.

The construction of the B&O Railroad represented a remarkable engineering feat of its time. It involved overcoming numerous geographical challenges, such as crossing the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains. Innovative techniques and technologies were employed, including the development of the Tom Thumb,... Read MORE...

1829 - Chesapeake and Delaware Canal opened, linked Chesapeake Bay with Delaware River
In 1829, the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal opened, creating a vital link between the Chesapeake Bay and the Delaware River. This engineering marvel was designed to provide a direct water route between Philadelphia and Baltimore, significantly shortening the maritime journey between these two major cities. Before the canal, ships had to navigate the treacherous waters around the Delmarva Peninsula, a lengthy and often hazardous route. The canal's construction, which began in 1804, faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and engineering obstacles. Despite these hurdles, it was completed under the supervision of engineer Benjamin Henry Latrobe and marked a significant achievement in early American infrastructure.

The canal's opening transformed commerce and transportation in the region, facilitating the movement of goods and resources and boosting economic growth. It was initially operated as a toll canal, generating revenue for its maintenance and expansion. Over... Read MORE...

January 15, 1852 - Between January 15th and February 24th a total of 1378 railroad cars were drawn by horses across the frozen Susquehanna River to engines waiting at Havre De Grace, MD.

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1864 - Maryland abolished slavery
In 1864, amidst the turmoil of the American Civil War, Maryland took a significant step toward ending a long-standing and deeply ingrained institution by abolishing slavery. On November 1, 1864, Maryland adopted a new state constitution which included a provision that abolished slavery. This move was particularly notable because it was a decision made by a slave-holding border state that had remained in the Union, reflecting the growing anti-slavery sentiment even in states where slavery had been entrenched.

The abolition of slavery in Maryland was the result of a narrow vote by the state’s white male electorate, highlighting the contentious nature of the issue even within the state. The new constitution, which abolished slavery, passed by a slim majority of 375 votes.
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1868 - The Maryland Legislature has passed the law fixing ten hours as a day's labor in the factories in the State.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 18, 1868

1895 - Maryland
Maryland, mā're-land (named in honor of Queen Henrietta Maria, consort of Charles I. of Great Britain), one of the Middle Atlantic states of the American Union, and one of the original thirteen United States, is bounded N. by Pennsylvania, E. by Delaware and the Atlantic, W. by West Virginia, and S. and S.W. by Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and from the two former it is for the most part divided by the river Potomac. It is of very irregular outline, and by the river Susquehanna and Chesapeake Bay it is divided into two portions,—the Eastern and the Western Shore, the latter em bracing about two-thirds of the area. There are also small islands in the bay and off the Atlantic coast, nearly all in close proximity to the Eastern Shore. Area, 12,210 square miles; land area, 9860 square miles, or 6,310,400 acres, of which rather more than half is improved land. The N. limit is "Mason & Dixon's line," 39° 44' N. lat...

The population in 1660 was 12,000; in 1671,... Read MORE...

January 13, 1912 - The temperature at Oakland, MD, plunged to 40 degrees below zero to establish a state record.

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(1920's - 1930's) Maryland refused to endorse national Prohibition laws, nicknamed "Free State"
During the 1920s and 1930s, Maryland gained a reputation as the "Free State" due to its stance on Prohibition. Despite the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which banned the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages nationwide, Maryland resisted enforcing these laws. Unlike many other states that complied with national Prohibition, Maryland chose not to enact similar legislation at the state level. This decision made Maryland a haven for those seeking alcohol during Prohibition, leading to a flourishing underground industry of bootlegging and speakeasies.

Maryland's refusal to endorse national Prohibition laws was rooted in a variety of factors. The state had a strong tradition of brewing and distilling, with a notable history of beer production. Additionally, Maryland's proximity to major cities like Washington, D.C., and its extensive coastline made it a prime location for smuggling alcohol into other states where Prohibition was... Read MORE...

1924 - Flooding destroyed much of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

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1952 - Chesapeake Bay Bridge opened; first intensive care facility in nation opened at Johns Hopkins Hospital

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1961 - June 19 - The Supreme Court strikes down a provision in Maryland’s constitution requiring state office holders to believe in God.
In a landmark decision on June 19, 1961, the United States Supreme Court ruled against a provision in Maryland's constitution that mandated state office holders to profess a belief in God. The case, Torcaso v. Watkins, centered around Roy Torcaso, an atheist, who was appointed as a notary public in Maryland but was denied his commission when he refused to declare a belief in God. Torcaso challenged the provision, arguing that it violated the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from establishing a religion.

The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, agreed with Torcaso, stating that the requirement violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The Court's ruling established an important precedent, affirming that religious beliefs, or the lack thereof, should not be a qualification for public office.
independentsentinel.com

2023 - Maryland has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Old Line State:
1. Inner Harbor, Baltimore:
Explore the historic Inner Harbor, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Visit the National Aquarium for a fascinating underwater adventure.
Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the scenic views.

2. Assateague Island:
Witness the wild ponies that roam freely on this barrier island.
Enjoy camping, swimming, and beachcombing along the pristine coastline.
Birdwatching and wildlife photography are popular activities here.

3. Annapolis:
Tour the United States Naval Academy and learn about its rich history.
Stroll through the charming streets of downtown Annapolis, known for its colonial architecture.
Take a sailboat cruise on the Chesapeake Bay.

4. Ocean City:
Relax on the beautiful beaches of Ocean City, known for its lively boardwalk.
Try out water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.
Enjoy amusement park rides and tasty treats on the boardwalk.

5. Antietam National... Read MORE...