7 Maryland Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know

More than 41 million people from around the world visited Maryland for work or vacation. 

Maryland is located in the Northeast of the United States and is often known for its fishing industry, crabs, and natural resources. 

If you are planning on visiting Maryland or just looking for a unique place to check out, this is the ultimate destination. 

Continue reading to discover the most interesting facts about Maryland for your next trip! 

1. Origin of the Post Office

How many times have you grabbed the mail from your mailbox and thought of Maryland?

Probably not many, if at all. However, the next time you do, you might! Maryland was the first state inaugurated the Post Office in the United States. This first office was located in Baltimore and opened up for service in 1774. 

The United States post office keeps track of and delivers almost 50% of the world’s mail, making them one of the most important businesses. 

2. Pioneers in the Printing Industry

One of the most interesting facts about Maryland is that it is where the first printing business originated. 

A man named William Nuthead began his printing business in St. Mary’s City in the late 1600s. William’s wife, Dinah, helped keep the business going, although she was unable to read and write! 

After William Nuthead passed away, leaving his wife with the business, she inherited it and got licensed. Dinah will go down in history as the very first female that was licensed and owned a printing shop in the colonies.  

3. Brought Water Beyond the Shore

Being in Maryland, you are surrounded by water from the beautiful ocean.

The Baltimore Water Company began in 1792 and was the first water company in the United States. The first attempts began in the 1770s but did not have much luck. In 1979, the city was able to produce a system that could supply water to the town. 

Since then, water companies have sprouted all around the United States. There are still many houses that don’t fall within city water lines, and they typically have to get water in other ways.  

4. Introduced a Unique Flag

In 1812, a young woman with the name, Mary Pickersgill, produced the Star-Spangled Banner Flag. 

The 1812 flag was presented during the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry. The flag looks similar to the way it currently does, however, there were only 15 stars on the flag, to represent each colony. 

Another important flag to note in this state is Maryland’s state flag. The flag is designed with 4 quadrants that will surely catch your attention with bright orange and red. The symbols and designs on the flag are meant to honor George Calvert and the First Lord Baltimore. 

5. Home of the Star-Spangled Banner

Have you ever wondered where the Star-Spangled Banner was written?

In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the song as he saw the flag still standing tall and waving during battle. Francis Scott Key had been in Baltimore to help a friend and did not realize how dangerous of a situation he would be in. 

It wasn’t until 1931, more than a hundred years later, that the song became the one we know today. This song was originally a poem called, “The Defence of Fort McHenry.” The British had attacked earlier that morning but had not been fully successful. 

This song has become the national anthem of the United States because of the ability to come together and fall from British rule. 

6. Let the Line Ring

Something that many people don’t realize is that Maryland took part in the very first telegraph line established.

This was the first telegraph line in the world and it came out in 1844. The telegraph line connected Washington and Baltimore. As the first message was sent out on the first commercial telegraph line, it spread the message, “What hath God wrought.” The telegraph was sent from the capital, Washington, and went to a railroad station in Baltimore. 

With the help of Maryland, messages were able to be sent between people who lived far from each other, without the use of snail mail. There are now more than 20,000 miles of telegraph cables that connect people from around the world. 

7. Wide Array of Landscapes

Have you ever heard anyone talking about American in Miniature?

If so, there weren’t discussing a micro-universe with its own version of America. Instead, they were talking about Maryland! Maryland is home to all of the best landscapes that can be found in the country. 

The states have an abundance of sand dunes that are beautiful to check out in the summer. It also has seagrass along the east shores and has marshlands near the Chesapeake Bay. No matter where you go in Maryland, you are likely to have an excellent view. 

There is an abundance of wildlife in the state and the Piedmont Region is covered in hills and thick forests. Don’t forget to check out the pine groves on the west side of the state, where the mountains are located! 

Do You Know These Interesting Facts About Maryland?

Learning these interesting facts about Maryland can help you plan the ultimate vacation.

By utilizing this guide, you can find the most unique and fun experiences that the state has to offer. 

Depending on the type of trip you are going on, there is a place for you. If you want to learn more about the history of the United States and our Star-Spangled banner, you can do so in Baltimore.

Not only was Baltimore a place of innovation, but it was also home to the printing industry, post office, and more. 

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about traveling to Maryland and other places in the United States! 

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