Maryland

Maryland is a state on the East Coast of the United States. It wraps around the Chesapeake Bay, the largest bay in the country. Maryland is known for its delicious blue crabs and rich history. The state played an important role in the founding of America.

Land and People

About 6 million people live in Maryland. The capital is Annapolis, but the largest city is Baltimore. The Chesapeake Bay splits the state into two parts. Maryland has beaches, mountains, and everything in between.

Culture and Fun Facts

Maryland is famous for its blue crabs and Old Bay seasoning. The Star-Spangled Banner, America's national anthem, was written in Baltimore during the War of 1812. Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy. The state sport is jousting, a sport from medieval times.

Fun Facts

• The national anthem of the United States was written after a battle at Fort McHenry in Baltimore.
• Maryland's official state sport is jousting, making it the only state with this sport.
• The Chesapeake Bay is about 200 miles long and is the largest estuary in the United States.

Did You Know?

Maryland is called the Old Line State because its soldiers fought so bravely in the Revolutionary War that George Washington gave them this nickname.