August 24 - National Maryland Day

 

Happy National Maryland Day! Today we observe the 7th state to join the union back on April 28, 1788. 

Also nicknamed the Free Sate or Little America, this Mid-Atlantic state is defined by its abundant waterways and coastlines on the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.  

Its largest city, Baltimore, has a long history as a major seaport.  

Fort McHenry, birthplace of the U.S. national anthem, sits at the mouth of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, home to the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center. 

Maryland’s coastal location brings with it a deeply rooted maritime heritage that includes an ocean battle defending the city of Baltimore at Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812.

https://www.usna.edu/Museum/ 

https://www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm 

One witness to the action became so inspired, Francis Scott Key penned the words that later became our national anthem. 

https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-anthem-day-march-3/ 

Chesapeake Bay 

Just over two hundred years before these traditions flourished, Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay and the Nanticoke River. He kept a record of his travels, documenting the Native American people.

https://cbmm.org 

Smith wrote about their cultures, the abundant animal, and plant life. Since this vast watershed is the largest estuary in the United States, the complex ecosystem thrives with diverse plant and wildlife. 

Boardwalk 

Spending a weekend or a vacation at Ocean City with friends or family is a highlight of any Maryland trip.  

The boardwalk and beaches provide plenty of relaxation, adventure, and fun in the sun. The Eastern Shore offers scenic views, site seeing, peaceful accommodations, festivals and events for everyone. 

Civil War History 

Head west to Antietam and Maryland will take you into another era. Here, the battlefields and Antietam National Cemetery hold a solemn reminder of the bloodiest singled day battle of the Civil War that occurred on September 17, 1862.  

Five days later, 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln issued a Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.  

Although Maryland was a southern state as defined by the Mason-Dixon line, it never seceded from the Union.  

While many families throughout the war fought on opposing sides, for Maryland families, it was a reoccurring theme. 

Industry 

Being located close to Washington D.C. makes Maryland ideal for aerospace, defense, and federal cybersecurity jobs. The state’s fishing industry thrives and is the largest producer of blue crabs in the state.  

The Oldline State is also home to McCormick & Company, Perdue Farms, Lockheed Martin, Black & Decker and Underarmor.  

Maryland Day Flavor 

Marylanders know their crab. It’s a big deal. Crab cakes, crab dip, steamed crab or a good old-fashioned crab boil.  

However, they serve it up, they serve it deliciously and with pride. They know their seafood, but they know their crab. Don’t forget the Old Bay, either. 

Follow that with Thrashers Fries and Fisher’s Popcorn from Ocean City’s boardwalk. It’s a required stop. 

Stuffed ham gains a favored place on the table in Maryland. Seasoned cabbage, kale, and onions are stuffed into a boneless ham, boiled and served cold. 

For dessert, Marylanders like peach pot pie and the official state dessert, Smith Island Cake. Peach pot pie is similar to a cobbler with a sweet biscuit crust. The eight layers of the Smith Island Cake features fudge and moist yellow cake. 

However, let’s remember crabs, in whole or part, are outstanding in Maryland. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

This beautiful state spans mountains and oceans, countryside and metropolis. Join National Day Calendar®as they celebrate Maryland’s people and their history on August 24.  

Use #NationalMarylandDay to share on social media. 

Hidden Treasures

National Capital Radio & Television Museum – Bowie 

John Paul Jones’ Crypt – Annapolis 

Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave – Baltimore 

College Park Airport and Aviation Museum – College Park 

Underground Railroad Experience Trail – Ashton-Sandy Spring 

Gathland State Park – Frederick County 

We also observe these famous figures born in Maryland of whom are still recognized today for their past accomplishments, heroics, talents, ingenuity and innovations: Samuel Wilson, Johns Hopkins, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas, Upton Sinclair, George Herman "Babe" Ruth Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Barbara Mikulski, John Waters, Harris Glenn Milstead, Mike Rowe, and Jada Pinkett Smith. 

Visit the link below to see those of notable birth who were not mentioned on the list above. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_from_Maryland 

Here's to The Old Line State! 

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