100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist)
Maryland (MD) is a relatively small state on the East Coast of the United States with a high population density. It has a rich history that dates back to the colonial era, it is home to several major ports and the prestigious United States Naval Academy. The capital of Maryland is Annapolis, while the largest city is Baltimore. Notably, Maryland was one of the first states to enact a minimum wage.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name Maryland Abbreviation MD Capital Annapolis Largest city Baltimore (Population: 565 239) Current time 8:47 Time zone EST (UTC-5), state observes Daylight Saving Time EDT (UTC-4) Population 6,177,253 (#18 most populous US state) Area 12,406.56 mi² (#42 largest US state) Admitted to the Union April 28, 1788 (#7 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Maryland
The capital of the State of Maryland is Annapolis, which originally began as a settlement founded by Christian Puritans in 1649. The name honors English aristocrat Anne Arundell, wife of Maryland’s founder and Baron of Baltimore. Annapolis became the capital in 1776, before Maryland joined the Union.
🏙️ Largest City in Maryland
The largest city in Maryland is Baltimore, which had a population of 565,239 in 2023. Second is Frederick with 85,793 people, and third is Gaithersburg with 69,563 residents.
🕒 Time in Maryland
The current time in Maryland is 8:47. The entire state observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5), switching to daylight saving time from March to November.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Maryland
In 2023 Maryland recorded 6,177,253 residents, which ranked it the 18th most populous state in the U.S.
📍 Area of Maryland
Maryland’s total area is 12,406.56 mi², of which 9,773.75 mi² is land and 2,632.82 mi² is water. Maryland is the 42nd largest U.S. state.
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Fun Facts About Maryland
🧩 Which States Border Maryland
Maryland borders four U.S. states. To the west is West Virginia, to the north Pennsylvania, to the east Delaware, and to the south Virginia.
📅 Date of Maryland Statehood
Maryland approved admission to the Union on April 28, 1788 as the 7th state, succeeding the Province of Maryland.
📛 Maryland State Nickname
Maryland is most often called the “Old Line State”, a tribute to the soldiers of the Maryland Line during the American Revolutionary War, who earned great renown for their courage. The Battle of Brooklyn in 1776 likely contributed most to that reputation, when the unit faced a much larger British army and allowed the rest of the Continental Army to withdraw.
A second commonly used nickname is “The Free State”, which refers to the new 1864 constitution that abolished slavery. Later amendments granted voting rights to former slaves and to men who were not white. Maryland became a free state.
⛰️ Highest Peak in Maryland
Maryland’s highest summit is Hoye-Crest at 3,360.00 ft, located near the West Virginia border and part of the Allegheny Mountains.
🏞️ Rivers in Maryland
The longest river in Maryland is the Susquehanna River, with a total length of 444.28 mi. Next are the Potomac River (301.99 mi), Youghiogheny River (134.22 mi), Patuxent River (114.95 mi), and the North Branch Potomac River (103.15 mi).
🎓 Universities in Maryland
The University of Maryland enrolls the most students and operates several campuses across the state. The largest is the University of Maryland Global Campus with approximately 56,000 students. Other major universities in Maryland include Towson University and Morgan State University.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Maryland
The State of Maryland uses ZIP code ranges 206xx to 212xx and 214xx to 219xx. You can look up a ZIP code for a specific address on the USPS website, and you can read more in the article ZIP Codes in the USA.
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Weather in Maryland
The best time to visit Maryland is early fall, when temperatures are pleasant and the trees turn rich shades of red.
Spring in Maryland is mild, with temperatures ranging from 50 °F to 68 °F and frequent rain.
Summer in Maryland is hot, and from June to August temperatures commonly exceed 86 °F. Pleasant weather can be interrupted by showers and high humidity.
Fall in Maryland brings a gentle cool-down to 48 °F to 57 °F. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities and nature trips.
Winters in Maryland are generally mild, with temperatures usually around 32 °F to 41 °F. Snow showers are possible, though rain is more likely.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Maryland
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What to See in Maryland
1️⃣ Six Flags America Amusement Park
Six Flags America ranks among the largest amusement parks in Maryland and is a great spot for a full-day family outing. The park opened in 1974 and today offers more than twenty attractions, many of them roller coasters. During summer, water slides and flumes provide welcome relief from the heat, and several rides are designed specifically for young children.
2️⃣ National Aquarium
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is one of the best and largest aquariums in the United States. More than 20,000 marine animals live here, including sharks, dolphins, and jellyfish.
The aquarium emphasizes education and conservation, and visitors can join programs focused on marine biology. It is also fascinating to compare different habitats, such as a rainforest or coral reefs. A visit works well for the whole family.
3️⃣ The Maryland Zoo
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is among the oldest zoos in the United States and has been in operation since 1876. Today it is home to more than 1,500 animals, including African elephants, lions, penguins, and giraffes. The zoo focuses on protecting endangered species and educating the public about conservation. A favorite experience is feeding giraffes acacia for a small fee.
4️⃣ Maryland Science Center
The modern Maryland Science Center in Baltimore offers interactive exhibits on physics, astronomy, biology, and other sciences. The complex includes a planetarium and an IMAX theater showing educational films. Visitors of all ages will find something to enjoy, which makes it an excellent choice for family trips.
5️⃣ Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort McHenry is a famous fort in Baltimore that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the U.S. national anthem. The fort played a crucial role during the War of 1812, when it withstood an attack by the British navy.
Visitors can tour the historic buildings and explore the daily life of soldiers through interactive exhibits. Battle reenactments take place at the fort every year.
6️⃣ Oriole Park at Camden Yards Baseball Stadium
Oriole Park, also known as Camden Yards, is the home ballpark of the Baltimore Orioles. The stadium is renowned for its unique architecture that blends historic and modern elements.
Even visitors who are not big sports fans enjoy the experience. With a game ticket you can tour the ballpark and visit its behind the scenes areas.
7️⃣ Baltimore Museum of Art
The Baltimore Museum of Art ranks among the most important galleries in the United States and is known for its collections of modern and classical art. The museum focuses largely on Impressionist and contemporary artists, and visitors can admire works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Henri Matisse. Some exhibits rotate over time.
8️⃣ Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park lies west of downtown Baltimore and offers ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and picnicking in nature. The Patapsco River runs through the park, where you can swim or fish. Highlights include waterfalls and photogenic historic bridges.
9️⃣ Antietam National Battlefield
Antietam National Battlefield was the site of the bloodiest single-day battle of the American Civil War, fought here on September 17, 1862, with 22,717 killed, wounded, or missing. Visitors can explore the battlefield and historic buildings or walk an interpretive trail. An interactive exhibit helps explain the battle’s context and its consequences for American history.
🔟 Ocean City Boardwalk
The boardwalk in Ocean City on the Atlantic coast is one of the oldest and longest on the East Coast. The long wooden promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, and arcades, and the main draw is a small amusement park with a Ferris wheel and a slingshot ride. In summer the boardwalk hosts concerts and festivals.
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Largest Cities in Maryland
The table lists the ten largest cities in the State of Maryland in 2023. The data source is the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary task is the decennial census.
City County Population 1 Baltimore – 565,239 Map of Baltimore 2 Frederick Frederick 85,793 Map of Frederick 3 Gaithersburg Montgomery 69,563 Map of Gaithersburg 4 Rockville Montgomery 67,297 Map of Rockville 5 Bowie Prince George’s 57,254 Map of Bowie 6 Hagerstown Washington 43,553 Map of Hagerstown 7 Annapolis Anne Arundel 40,552 Map of Annapolis 8 College Park Prince George’s 34,187 Map of College Park 9 Salisbury Wicomico 33,159 Map of Salisbury 10 Laurel Prince George’s 29,400 Map of Laurel -
Sports Teams in Maryland
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
No team from Maryland plays in the NHL.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
Two teams from Maryland compete in the NFL.
The older franchise is the Washington Commanders, which began in 1937 under the name Washington Redskins. Between 2020 and 2022 they played as the Washington Football Team, and in 2022 they adopted the Washington Commanders name. The NFC East club lists burgundy, gold, white, and black as its colors. Home games are played at Northwest Stadium in the city of Landover.
The second NFL team is the Baltimore Ravens, in the AFC North since the 1996 season. The club plays home games at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, and the team colors are purple, black, and metallic gold.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
There is no NBA team from Maryland.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
Maryland has one MLB representative, the Baltimore Orioles, who have competed since the 1901 season and belong to the American League East Division. The team plays home games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, and the club colors are black, orange, white, and gray.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
There is no MLS team from Maryland.
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Maryland State Symbols
Official symbols of the State of Maryland are approved by the General Assembly and the Governor. Below are just a few of them.
Maryland State Flag
Maryland’s flag is among the most distinctive in the United States. It combines the arms of the Calvert and Crossland families, both of which played important roles in the state’s history. Calvert was the surname of the Lords Baltimore, who once owned the Maryland colony. Crossland was the maiden name of George Calvert’s mother, the first Baron Baltimore. The flag in its current form was adopted in 1904.
Maryland State Seal
The Great Seal of Maryland in its current form was adopted in 1969. Notably, the obverse and reverse feature different designs. The obverse shows the Lord Baltimore on horseback as a fully armored knight with a drawn sword. The reverse displays the Calvert coat of arms.
State Bird
Since 1947 Maryland’s symbol has been the Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), which also inspired the name of the local baseball club, the Baltimore Orioles.
State Flower
Maryland’s floral symbol is the black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). This striking flower with large yellow petals was added to the list in 1918.
State Tree
Maryland’s official state tree is the white oak (Quercus alba). One of the oldest recorded specimens of this species was a more than 450-year-old oak in the town of Wye Mills.
State Fish
In 1965 the striped bass (Morone saxatilis) was added to the list of state symbols. It is abundant in Maryland’s waters.
State Boat
Since 1985 the state has recognized the skipjack as an official symbol, a traditional workboat used for oystering in the Chesapeake Bay.
State Dessert
The official state dessert since 2008 is the Smith Island cake, which originates on the island of the same name in southern Maryland. It is a cake with eight to fifteen layers of sponge alternated with chocolate frosting.
State Theater
Since 1978 Maryland’s symbols have included the Center Stage theater company, founded in 1963. The state’s largest professional theater is based in Baltimore.
State Horse Breed
In 2003 the Thoroughbred became Maryland’s official state horse breed. In the first half of the 18th century, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and New York were centers of Thoroughbred breeding.
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