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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
If you want to see and explore Maryland in a whole new way, here are 10 things you've never thought of doing in Maryland, but should.
How about showing off your state pride? Take a look at the Maryland apparel and accessories from our friends at Wear Your Roots!
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