NATIONAL MARYLAND DAY
On August 24, we usher in the 7th state to join the Union with National Maryland Day. 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. One witness to the action became so inspired, Francis Scott Key penned the words that later became our National Anthem.
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Chesapeake Bay
Just over 200 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. 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 plants 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 Antitiem 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, President 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.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MARYLAND DAY
This beautiful state spans mountains and oceans, countryside and metropolis. Join National Day Calendar as we celebrate Maryland’s people and their history on August 24. Use #NationalMarylandDay to share on social media.
NOTABLE PEOPLE
Born to Quakers Samuel Hopkins and Hannah Janney, Johns Hopkins became a successful businessman and philanthropist. Hopkins’ forward-thinking provided for the development of Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine among others. As a result, these facilities contribute to the advanced research into disease and healthcare.
George Herman Ruth, Jr. earned the nicknames “The Bambino” and “The Sultan of Swat” as a Major League Baseball player. Born in Baltimore, Ruth’s birthplace is within walking distance of the Oriels Camden Yards Stadium. Center fielders now dive for line drives where his father’s 406 West Conway Street Saloon once stood.
The grandson of a slave, Thurgood Marshall became the first African American Supreme Court Justice. Leading up to his nomination, Marshall prevailed in Brown v. Board of Education resulting in the end of school segregation. He was named Chief counsel to the NAACP where the attorney was legal counsel for civil rights cases. President John F. Kennedy appointed Marshall to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit followed by a 1965 appointment by President Lyndon Johnson to the office of U.S. Solicitor General. In 1967, he was nominated to the Supreme Court.
As a U.S. Congresswoman, Barbara Mikulski served the state of Maryland for three decades. Since 1976, Mikulski has served as either in the House or Senate. In 1986, she became the first female Democrat from Maryland to join the Senate.
Television host, narrator and advocate for skilled trade training, Mike Rowe has made a name for himself stating things frankly and without apology. He will host one of Facebook’s first TV shows, Returning the Favor, beginning August of 2017.
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.
Places You Must Go
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