Maryland

Maryland is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Delaware to the east, the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay to the southeast, Virginia and West Virginia to the west, and Washington, D.C., to the south. The state capital is Annapolis, and the largest city is Baltimore. Maryland is home to about six million residents.

Historically, Maryland began as a proprietary colony founded in 1632 when Cecil Calvert, 2nd Lord Baltimore, established the Province of Maryland in honor of Queen Henrietta Maria. It was one of the original thirteen states that formed the United States and served as a border state during the Civil War, remaining in the Union. Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor helped inspire the national anthem during the War of 1812.

Geographically, Maryland includes parts of the Atlantic coastal plain and the Appalachian region, with the Chesapeake Bay shaping its economy and culture. The bay watershed supports commercial fishing, tourism, and transportation.

Politically, Maryland has a governor as chief executive, a bicameral General Assembly with a Senate and House of Delegates, and a state judiciary. Annapolis houses state government.

Economy and education include a diverse mix of federal government facilities, defense contracting, biotechnology, healthcare, and higher education. The Port of Baltimore handles significant international cargo. Major institutions include Johns Hopkins University and Hospital; the University of Maryland system.

Culture and notable features include Maryland’s seafood, especially blue crabs, and professional teams the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens. Notable sites include Fort McHenry and the Annapolis Historic District.