Discover Maryland News

 Maryland, officially the **State of Maryland**, is a state in the **Mid-Atlantic** region of the United States, one of the original 13 colonies. It became the **seventh state** to ratify the U.S. Constitution on April 28, 1788. Known as the **Old Line State** (honoring the Maryland Line troops' bravery in the Revolutionary War) and the **Free State** (reflecting its opposition to Prohibition and abolition of slavery in 1864), it is also called the **Terrapin State** or **Oyster State**. With a population of approximately **6.26–6.36 million** as of 2025–2026 estimates (around 18th–19th in the U.S.), it ranks as the ninth-smallest state by land area at about 9,774 square miles of land (total area ~12,407 square miles including water) and features 23 counties plus Baltimore City (an independent city).

### Geography and Climate

Maryland is geographically diverse despite its small size. It borders **Pennsylvania** to the north (along the Mason-Dixon Line, historically separating North and South), **Delaware** to the east, the **Atlantic Ocean** and **Chesapeake Bay** to the east/southeast, **Virginia** and **West Virginia** to the south and west, and the **District of Columbia** (which Maryland ceded land for in 1791). The **Chesapeake Bay** dominates the landscape, creating the Eastern Shore (rural, water-oriented) and Western Shore. Other features include the fertile Piedmont and coastal plains, the Appalachian foothills and mountains in the west (including the panhandle), and the Potomac River. The state has significant tidal wetlands and over 3,000 miles of shoreline. The climate is humid subtropical in the east/south (hot, humid summers; mild winters) transitioning to humid continental in the west (cooler with more snow). It supports beaches, boating, fishing, hiking, and agriculture.

Major cities (approximate 2026 estimates):

- **Baltimore** — the largest (~560,000–573,000).

- **Columbia** (~104,000–107,000).

- **Germantown** (~90,000–91,000).

- **Frederick** (~83,000–95,000).

- **Waldorf** (~82,000–86,000).

- **Silver Spring** (~84,000+), **Annapolis** (state capital, ~40,000–41,000).

Population centers heavily along the Baltimore-Washington corridor, with growth in suburban areas like Frederick and Waldorf.

### History

Maryland was founded in 1632 as a proprietary colony by Lord Baltimore (Cecilius Calvert) as a haven for English Catholics, emphasizing religious tolerance (the 1649 Act of Toleration). It played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and was a border state during the Civil War (remaining in the Union but with divided loyalties; the Battle of Antietam was a major turning point). Key 19th–20th-century developments include the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, industrialization in Baltimore, and civil rights advancements. The state has deep African American, Native American (including Piscataway), and immigrant heritage.

### Culture and Famous For

Maryland blends Southern hospitality, Mid-Atlantic energy, maritime traditions, and urban vibrancy:

- **Nicknames**: **Old Line State** (official Revolutionary War reference) and **Free State**.

- **Food** — World-famous **Chesapeake Bay blue crabs** (steamed with Old Bay seasoning), crab cakes, oyster stew, rockfish, and Smith Island cake. The state leads in seafood and has strong influences from African American, Eastern European, and Southern cuisines.

- **History and Icons** — Annapolis (colonial capital with the U.S. Naval Academy), Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry (inspiration for "The Star-Spangled Banner"), Antietam National Battlefield, and the Chesapeake Bay.

- **Outdoors** — Chesapeake Bay for sailing and fishing, Ocean City beaches, Appalachian trails, state parks, and the C&O Canal for biking/hiking.

- **Other** — Strong sports culture (Baltimore Ravens and Orioles; college teams like Maryland Terrapins), arts scene, and a mix of progressive urban/suburban areas with more traditional rural ones. State symbols include the white oak (tree) and Baltimore oriole (bird).

The culture varies: bustling and diverse in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, relaxed and water-focused on the Eastern Shore, and more rural/mountain-oriented in the west.

### Economy

Maryland has a strong, diversified economy with high median household income:

- **Key sectors** — Federal government and defense (proximity to D.C.), healthcare and life sciences, biotech, advanced manufacturing, tourism, port operations (Port of Baltimore), agriculture (poultry, seafood, crops), and professional services.

- Tourism generates billions in visitor spending and supports jobs statewide. The state ranks highly in innovation, connectivity, and workforce quality but faces challenges like budget deficits, high costs of living, and competitiveness pressures. Recent efforts focus on economic development, housing affordability, and business incentives.

### Government and Current Notes (as of March 2026)

- **Governor**: Wes Moore (Democrat), in his first term (last session of his initial term; reelection in 2026).

- Maryland has a **Democratic trifecta**. The 2026 legislative session (90-day) convened on January 14 and runs through mid-April. Priorities include addressing a projected $1.4 billion (or larger) budget deficit without new broad taxes, investing in education, public safety, affordable housing (transit-oriented development focus), and economic competitiveness (e.g., DECADE Act for business growth). Governor Moore has emphasized "kitchen table issues" like work, wages, and wealth, with debates on fiscal restraint, spending adjustments, and policy bills. The session features deadlines for bill introductions and committee work, with some tension over affordability and accountability.

For visitors, **VisitMaryland.org** is the official tourism site, highlighting Chesapeake Bay adventures, Baltimore attractions, Annapolis history, Ocean City beaches, Western Maryland mountains, and food trails. Maryland offers a compact but varied experience—historic charm, world-class seafood, vibrant cities, and scenic waterways—perfect for history buffs, beachgoers, or food lovers.

What specifically about Maryland interests you—Chesapeake Bay and crabs, Baltimore or Annapolis history, Eastern Shore or Western Maryland outdoors, current budget/legislative session, economy and federal ties, travel tips, or something else?