National Maryland Day

Young couple enjoying crab cakes at a waterfront restaurant, wearing nautical-themed outfits, sailing boats in the background.. — National maryland day illustration

Hey there, friends! Have you heard of National Maryland Day? It's a wonderful celebration filled with history, culture, and some delicious crab cakes. So dust off your Old Bay seasoning and get ready to dive into this delightful day!

When is Maryland Day?

It's national maryland day on the 24th August.

A Taste of Maryland

National Maryland Day is a special occasion that pays tribute to the state of Maryland, also known as the Free State or the Old Line State. This day is all about celebrating the unique heritage and contributions of Maryland to the United States.

What makes Maryland so special, you ask? Well, it's home to some pretty iconic things. Let's start with the mouthwatering seafood that makes foodies go wild – crab cakes! Whether you like 'em grilled, fried, or steamed, Maryland is the place to enjoy these delectable treats.

But it's not just about the food, folks! Maryland is known for its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Baltimore to the scenic shores of Chesapeake Bay, there's something for everyone in this charming state.

A Peek into History

Did you know that National Maryland Day was first observed on August 24, 2017? Since then, it has become an annual celebration for Marylanders and fans of the state around the country. This day serves as a reminder to appreciate the rich history and culture that Maryland has to offer.

So, whether you're a born-and-raised Marylander or just a curious explorer, National Maryland Day is your chance to show some love for this fantastic state. Get ready to don your crab bib and dive into the festivities!

History behind the term 'Maryland'

1632

Royal Gift

In 1632, King Charles I of England granted a royal charter to Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, to establish a colony in the New World. The charter was named after Queen Henrietta Maria, Charles I's wife, and the new colony was called Maryland.

1608

Exploration and Naming

In 1608, Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay region and made note of a local Native American village called 'Maherlande', named after the indigenous people living in the area. The name 'Maryland' is believed to be derived from this Native American term.

1632

The Granting of the Province

In 1632, King Charles I of England granted a charter to George Calvert, the 1st Baron Baltimore, for the establishment of the Province of Maryland. The name 'Maryland' was chosen to honor Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I, who was known for her Catholic faith.

1632

The Granting of Maryland

In the year 1632, King Charles I of England granted a charter for a plot of land in the New World to Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. The land, named Maryland in honor of King Charles' wife, Queen Henrietta Maria, became a haven for English Catholics seeking religious freedom.

1634

Colonization Begins

In 1634, the first settlers of Maryland, led by Leonard Calvert (George Calvert's son), arrived in the Chesapeake Bay area and established the capital of the province, St. Mary's City. The settlement thrived, attracting people of various backgrounds and religions, including Catholics, Protestants, and Puritans.

1632

Land Grant and Charter

In 1632, King Charles I of England issued a land grant and charter to Sir George Calvert, granting him proprietary rights to the area. The territory was named 'Maryland' in honor of Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I and a devout Catholic.

1634

Settlement of St. Mary's

In 1634, the first English settlers arrived in Maryland, led by Leonard Calvert, Cecilius Calvert's younger brother. They established the first settlement called St. Mary's City, named after the Virgin Mary.

1634

The Founding of St. Mary's City

In 1634, the first settlers arrived in Maryland aboard the ships Arc and Dove. Led by Leonard Calvert, the younger brother of Cecil Calvert, they established a settlement called St. Mary's City. This marked the beginning of Maryland as a English colony and a center for religious toleration.

1649

Toleration Act of 1649

In 1649, the Maryland Assembly passed the Toleration Act. This act, also known as the Act Concerning Religion, granted religious freedom to all Christians in Maryland, making it one of the first places in the New World to adopt such a policy. The act aimed to promote religious harmony and attract settlers from different faiths.

1649

Religious Tolerance Act

In 1649, Maryland passed the Religious Tolerance Act, also known as the Maryland Toleration Act. This act granted religious freedom to all Christians, making Maryland one of the first places in the New World to embrace religious tolerance.

1649

Religious Tolerance

In 1649, the Maryland Toleration Act was passed, making Maryland the first colony in British North America to guarantee religious freedom to all Christians. This act allowed Catholics and other religious minorities to openly practice their faith, further solidifying Maryland as a haven for religious freedom.

1649

The Act of Toleration

One of the most significant milestones in Maryland's history is the passing of the Act of Toleration in 1649. This act, also known as the Toleration Act, granted religious freedom to all Christians living in the colony, making Maryland the first place in the New World to enact such legislation.

1776

Declaration of Independence

In 1776, Maryland played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War by becoming the seventh state to ratify the United States Declaration of Independence. The state's commitment to the cause of independence contributed to the eventual formation of the United States of America.

1694

The Capital Moves to Annapolis

In 1694, the capital of Maryland was moved from St. Mary's City to a newly established town named Annapolis. The decision was made due to concerns over the increasing prominence of pirates in the Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis went on to become a thriving center of trade and commerce.

1776

Declaration of Independence

In 1776, during the American Revolution, Maryland played a significant role in the United States' struggle for independence. The Maryland Convention signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, making Maryland one of the thirteen original colonies that declared independence from British rule.

1694

Capital Relocation

In 1694, the capital of Maryland was relocated from St. Mary's City to Annapolis. The move was prompted by concerns of accessibility and defense, as well as the desire to establish a new, grander capital for the growing colony.

1788

Ratification of the U.S. Constitution

In 1788, Maryland became the seventh state to ratify the United States Constitution. The state's ratification helped solidify the newly formed federal government and its principles. Maryland's ratification also had an impact on the trajectory of the young nation, both politically and culturally.

1861

Civil War

During the American Civil War, Maryland was a border state, meaning it was divided between the Union and Confederacy. Despite the state's geographical location and the presence of Confederate sympathizers, Governor Thomas Hicks successfully maintained Maryland's allegiance to the Union, preserving its status as a northern state.

1788

Maryland Ratifies the U.S. Constitution

On April 28, 1788, Maryland became the seventh state to ratify the United States Constitution. This step solidified Maryland's position as an integral part of the newly formed United States and allowed it to contribute to the shaping of the nation's future.

1776

Declaration of Independence

In 1776, Maryland became one of the original thirteen colonies to declare independence from Great Britain. The Maryland Convention adopted the Maryland Declaration of Rights, a precursor to the United States Bill of Rights, which emphasized individual freedoms and liberties.

1788

Becoming a State

In 1788, Maryland ratified the United States Constitution and officially became the seventh state of the newly formed United States of America. The state's location and transportation infrastructure played a significant role in its economic development and growth.

1812

The Battle of Baltimore

During the War of 1812, the British launched an attack on Baltimore, Maryland. The Battle of Baltimore, which took place in September 1814, saw the valiant defense by American forces and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that would later become the lyrics of the national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'

1864

Battle of Antietam

In 1864, the Battle of Antietam took place near Sharpsburg, Maryland, during the American Civil War. It was the single bloodiest day in U.S. history with over 23,000 casualties. The battle had significant implications, as the Union victory halted General Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North and bolstered President Abraham Lincoln's position on the Emancipation Proclamation.

1934

Official State Nickname

In 1934, Maryland adopted the official state nickname 'The Old Line State'. This nickname is a reference to the Maryland Line, a group of soldiers from Maryland who played a crucial role in the Battle of Long Island during the Revolutionary War. The term 'The Old Line' became synonymous with the state's bravery and resilience.

1966

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

In 1966, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a remarkable engineering feat, opened to the public. The 17.6-mile bridge-tunnel complex connects Virginia's Eastern Shore with Virginia Beach and Norfolk, crossing the Chesapeake Bay. It has since become an iconic landmark and an important transportation route, facilitating travel and trade in the region.

1989

Official State Song

In 1989, Maryland officially designated the song 'Maryland, My Maryland' as its official state song. Written by James Ryder Randall in 1861, the song is a passionate call to arms during the Civil War, celebrating the state's commitment to the Union cause and its strong sense of identity.

1861

Maryland's Role in the Civil War

Throughout the Civil War, Maryland's allegiance was divided. While it remained part of the Union, it was a slave state and had strong sympathies for the Confederacy. The state's strategic location between the North and the South made it a key battleground and a place of great importance during the conflict.

1812

War of 1812

During the War of 1812, British forces targeted Maryland, culminating in the Battle of Baltimore. The successful defense of Baltimore, highlighted by the resilience of Fort McHenry, inspired Francis Scott Key to write the lyrics of the Star-Spangled Banner, which later became the U.S. national anthem.

1932

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge

In 1932, construction began on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, a monumental engineering feat that connected Maryland's eastern and western shores. The bridge, spanning over 4 miles, revolutionized transportation in the state and opened up new opportunities for travel and commerce.

2012

State Symbols

In 2012, Maryland adopted the Chesapeake Bay Retriever as its official state dog, joining a list of other state symbols including the Baltimore Oriole (state bird) and the Black-Eyed Susan (state flower). These symbols reflect Maryland's rich natural diversity and cultural heritage.

Did you know?

Did you know that Maryland's state sport is jousting? Yes, you heard that right! Jousting, the medieval activity of knights on horseback, is the official sport of Maryland. So if you're a fan of knights, chivalry, and the occasional lance-encounter, Maryland is the place to be!