Maryland
The Old Line State
Quick Stats
Map
Seal & Motto
"Fatti maschii, parole femine"
This ancient Italian heraldic phrase was inherited directly from the Calvert family's ancestral motto and adopted as Maryland's official motto at statehood in 1788. It captures the founding vision of Lord Baltimore's colony — that bold, principled action must be paired with restraint and civility. The sentiment proved apt: Maryland became one of the first places in the English-speaking world to enshrine religious tolerance by law, showing the world that strong deeds and gentle words could indeed coexist.
Flag Meaning
The Maryland flag features the heraldic banner of George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore. It is the only US state flag based entirely on English heraldry, representing the historic founding family of the Maryland colony.
- Black and Gold — the arms of the Calvert family, founders of Maryland.
- Red and White — the arms of the Crossland family, the family of Lord Baltimore's mother.
State Symbols
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.
Geographically, it shares borders with Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, and Washington D.C., forming a closely connected regional network.
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.
Famous Natives
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.
How Maryland Ranks
Compared to all 50 states — bar shows relative standing
Neighbors
Additional Information
20601 (Abell) → 21930 (Warwick)
~527 ZIP codes statewide
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.
Demographics
Population Growth
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🧠 Maryland Trivia
5 questions — how well do you know the Prairie State?
Which famous fort in Baltimore inspired Francis Scott Key to write the "Star-Spangled Banner"?
What famous seafood is deeply associated with Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay?
Maryland is the only US state whose official state sport is what medieval activity?
Which iconic spice blend was created in Baltimore and is famously used on Maryland seafood?
What is the capital of Maryland, home to the United States Naval Academy?