Maryland
The Old Line State
Quick Stats
Map
Seal & Motto
"Fatti maschii, parole femine"
Additional Information
Italian for "Strong deeds, gentle words."
Adopted 1874/1788.
Population Growth
Overview
Maryland, affectionately nicknamed the 'Old Line State,' boasts a rich tapestry of maritime history and diverse industries. Situated along the Chesapeake Bay, this Mid-Atlantic state is renowned for its vibrant seafood culture, especially its succulent blue crabs, and thrives as a global hub for biotechnology, defense contracting, and high-tech innovation.
Historical Significance
Maryland joined the Union on April 28, 1788, as the 7th state, playing a crucial role in the nation's founding. As one of the original 13 colonies, it was a critical battleground of the American Revolution and the War of 1812, and later became a pivotal border state during the Civil War due to its strategic location bordering both North and South.
Top Cities & Hubs
Baltimore
Population: ~569,000The state's largest city and a major seaport, famed for the revitalized Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry National Monument, Johns Hopkins Medical Center, and a world-class crab cake tradition.
Columbia
Population: ~105,000A planned community strategically located between Baltimore and Washington D.C., consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. for its diversity and quality of life.
Germantown
Population: ~91,000A fast-growing suburban community in Montgomery County, forming a major part of the booming Washington D.C. metropolitan corridor and a significant center for biotech research.
Silver Spring
Population: ~81,000A major business and entertainment hub located just north of the Washington D.C. border, known for its vibrant international food scene and major media headquarters.
Waldorf
Population: ~81,000A major suburban center in Southern Maryland known for its rapid residential and commercial growth and proximity to Washington D.C. and the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.
Key Landmarks & Economy
Did You Know?
- Maryland was the first state to pass a law guaranteeing freedom of religion, the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649, a landmark in American religious liberty.
- The iconic Old Bay seasoning, synonymous with Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, was created in Baltimore in 1939 and remains one of America's most beloved regional spice blends.
- Maryland is the only state whose state sport is jousting, the ancient mounted combat competition that has been celebrated at county fairs since 1962.