10 Ridiculously Weird but Totally True Facts About Maryland

The state of Maryland is full of surprises—from its stunning landscapes and quaint towns to, yes, even its quirky, fun facts. The Old Line State is also rich with history that's fun for anyone, including locals and visitors alike, to learn about.

Some of the best facts about Maryland, though? The ones that sound completely made up, but are totally true. Read on for 10 fun facts about Maryland and see how many are new to you.

1. Our Highest Point Is Only Accessible From West Virginia

The trail to Maryland's highest point, known as Hoye-Crest, actually starts in Silver Lake, West Virginia. The trail is just under a mile to the top, and along the way, you'll cross back into Maryland. It's full of beautiful scenery, including green trees, meadows, and beautiful rolling hills.

2. Our Official Sport Is Jousting

Yep, you read that right. Jousting became Maryland's official sport in 1962. This is exactly how you'd picture it: people riding horses in Medieval attire, wielding swords to "fight." Sure, you can find this type of spectacle at Medieval Times anywhere in the country, but it won't be other states' official sport.

3. We're Home to the USS Constellation

The USS Constellation at Baltimore's Inner Harbor isn't just a pretty ship: It served for 100 years in military conflicts. This vibrant vessel was commissioned all the way back in 1855, and also played an important role in ending the foreign slave trade. You can see it in the harbor now.

4. We're Are the Decoy Capital of the World

Maryland's town of Havre de Grace is known as the decoy capital of the world. There's even a decoy museum in town where you'll find hundreds of hand-carved ducks, geese, and more. While most wooden and plastic varieties are used for hunting, they're also just fascinating to look at—the craftsmanship is out of this world.

5. Our Flag Is Based on British Heraldry

The Old Line State's flag isn't just colorful—it's also the only U.S. state flag based on British heraldry. The designs come from the coat of arms of the Calvert family, the colonial proprietors of Maryland, including the red-and-white Crossland arms.

6. We're the Birthplace of the Ouija Board

Elijah Bond, a Baltimore attorney, was one of the first people to patent the Ouija Board in the early 1890s. He and a few other investors started the Kennard Novelty Company, which ended up mass producing the wooden board game. You can now find Bond's one-of-a-kind gravestone at Green Mount Cemetery in Baltimore.

7. The National Anthem Was Written Here

Francis Scott Key wrote the National Anthem, also known as The Star-Spangled Banner, right here in Maryland. The most iconic American song was inspired during the War of 1812. Today, you can learn more about the Key's origin story and how the song was created at the state's historic Fort McHenry.

8. National Bohemian Beer Stopped Brewing Here

Even though National Bohemian beer was first created and brewed in Baltimore in 1885, it actually hasn't been brewed here since 1996. Now, the brand makes its famous drinks in Albany, Georgia, and Trenton, Ohio. But you can get an ice-cold can of "Natty Boh" pretty much anywhere in the U.S.

9. We Have a Town Called Chevy Chase

No, it's not named after the famous actor. The name origins of Chevy Chase, Maryland, actually date back to the 1800s. There are a few theories as to how the town got its name. One posits the name came from the French word "chevauchee," used to describe horseback raids. Another states that since the town borders the Cheviot Hills and housed hunting grounds called "chases," it was shortened to Chevy Chase.

10. One of Our Towns Was the U.S. Capital for a Day

On August 26, 1814, President James Madison stayed in Brookeville, Maryland, for one night, while also conducting business and sending dispatches. Because of this, Brookeville was named the capital of the U.S. for one day. Pretty cool, huh?

Which of these weird Maryland facts did you already know? Are there any that you'd add to the list? If you're curious about the rest of the Old Line State's history, culture, and popular tourist attractions, take a trip there yourself, using Only In Your State's itinerary planner to guide your days.