So you think you're a trivia buff? How much do you know about the Old Line State? Check out this list full of things you may not have known about the state of Maryland.
1. The first dental school in America opened at the University of Maryland.
2. The Maryland State House is the oldest state capital in continuous legislative use, dating back to 1772.
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3. Brookeville was the US capital for one day due to President James Madison seeking refuge there after the British invasion and burning of DC.
4. Maryland was the first state to pass worker's compensation laws in 1902.
5. Maryland's state insect is the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly.
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6. Havre de Grace has been referred to as the decoy capital of the world.
7. In 1805, the first practical refrigerator was invented in Baltimore.
8. The USS Constellation, located at the Baltimore Harbor, was used during the Civil War era.
9. Maryland's highest point is on Backbone Mountain in Garrett County.
10. The Maryland Gazette is the oldest continuously published newspaper in the US.
11. As of 2013, Maryland is the 19th most populated US state.
12. The Maryland flag is the only US state flag based on British heraldry.
Did any of these facts surprise you? What are bits of Maryland trivia do you love sharing with others? Let us know in the comments...
The Old Line State is impressive in many ways. As one of the original 13 states, Maryland has a vast history and cultural significance that many other states do not have. Because of that, there are some things here that you won’t find anywhere else. There are so many incredibly unique things about Maryland! Take a look at this list and consider visiting a few of these things unique to Maryland.
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1. The world's tallest regular pentagonal building
You may not realize it from staring up close, but Baltimore's World Trade Center is actually five-sided. It's also known as the world's largest regular pentagonal building - meaning that all sides are equal.
Explore Baltimore's World Trade Center and see the view from the observation level in this video from Gretzky Dog and Friends:
2. The largest shipwreck fleet in the Western Hemisphere
Mallows Bay is home to hundreds of defunct ships from WWI. Today, you can kayak among the ruins, making it one of the most memorable and unique places in Maryland to experience.
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3. The birthplace of the US railroad
Head to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore and you can still ride along the first commercial mile of railroad in the US. Bring a train lover and have fun! For those living in Maryland with children, this is a wonderful family-friendly attraction.
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4. The place of the bloodiest one-day battle in American history
The infamous Battle of Antietam took place right here in the Old Line State. You can visit this massive battlefield and learn about the past. Keep your eyes peeled for the spirits of wandering soldiers...
5. The longest single-span escalator in the Western Hemisphere
This escalator is located at Wheaton Station. At 230 feet in length, It takes almost three full minutes to ride from the bottom to the top.
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Check out the 230-foot-long Wheaton Station Escalator in this video from
Worldwide Rail Productions:
6. The first national road
Construction began on the first national road all the way back in 1811. It was named The Historic National Road and you can still visit parts of it today.
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7. The cave with more formations per square foot than any other cave in the world
Hidden in Boonsboro, you'll find Crystal Grottoes Caverns. Tours are available at this naturally kept cave, which is known to have more formations per square foot than any other known cave in the world. This is one of the most impressive Maryland attractions!
8. The oldest state capital in continuous legislative use
The Maryland State House dates all the way back to 1772 and has been in continuous use ever since. No other state can say that.
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Let's take a tour of the Maryland State House and learn about its unique history in this video from VisitAnnapolis:
9. The oldest continuously published newspaper in the US
Another one of the things Maryland is known for is the historic Maryland Gazette. As you'll see here the Maryland Gazette is centuries old. The issue pictured below is dated 1728!
As a state with so much history, these are only a few of the unique things about Maryland. What are some other things you can only get in Maryland? Share in the comments!
Living in Maryland comes with quite a few perks. The beaches, the dining, the history, and so much more - it truly sets us apart from other states along the East Coast. But some of the best things about Maryland are the things that make us... well, us! Marylanders are a diverse bunch, but there are some specific quirks and cultural icons unique to our state that we can all agree are easy to love. Check out the following list and let us know which of these things make your Maryland heart go pitter-patter.
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1. Steamed Crabs
There is no better season than crab season, and life in Maryland just wouldn't be the same without digging into a plate full of these bad boys.
2. Old Bay
If you don't have this stockpiled in your pantry, are you even really a Marylander?
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3. The Holiday Season
No matter your religion, you can't help but love all the colorful holiday displays that twinkle around Maryland every December.
4. No Traffic
It's nice to escape the dreaded interstate and take a scenic detour along a quiet back road.
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5. Crab Cakes
...But they BETTER be made right, or else. Crab cakes are serious business!
6. The Beach
Whether visiting with the family or sticking around year-round, Marylanders love spending time with their toes in the sand. Life in Maryland just wouldn't be the same without our coastline!
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7. Spring
There's something hopeful about flowers blooming around the state that causes Marylanders to shed their winter layers and become joyful with glee once more.
8. And Autumn
As soon as the air turns crisp, Marylanders start planning their trips to pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and mapping some of the prettiest fall foliage road trips around.
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9. Winning
Locals are known to get quite competitive, no matter which team they root for.
This impressive design can be found all over, including on clothing, cars, buildings, and more.
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12. History
The Old Line State is rich with history. Maryland residents know to appreciate the past.
13. Festivals
No matter the occasion, Maryland festivals are always full of life.
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14. The National Anthem
The National Anthem was born here, and Marylanders take great pride in that fact.
15. The View From The Bay Bridge
Even if you find the Chesapeake Bay Bridge unnerving, there's no denying that it offers a one-of-a-kind view. And a surprising amount of history too!
What are some other things that Marylanders love? Feel free to share the love in the comments below!
We mentioned history, food, the views... now, it's time to dive into some of our favorite things about MD in depth! When it comes to history, you don't have to look too hard - it's hiding around every corner. And the food! Maryland has some of the best dining in the country, no doubt about it, often coupled with incredible views.
You'll also find that Maryland takes hospitality seriously. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind getaway here, this waterfront cottage isn't just eye candy... it also boasts some seriously relaxing amenities!