Maryland was named in honor of Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I of England.

The state sport of Maryland is jousting.

It is known as the “Old Line State” because of the bravery and valor of the Maryland Regiment during the American Revolutionary War.

Maryland has the highest percentage of residents with advanced degrees in the United States.

Maryland is the birthplace of religious freedom in America. The colony was founded by Lord Baltimore as a safe haven for Catholics fleeing religious persecution.

The city of Baltimore is home to the oldest continuously operating public market in the United States, called Lexington Market.

The National Anthem of the United States, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was written by Francis Scott Key during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812.

Maryland is the wealthiest state in the United States, with the highest median household income.

The Chesapeake Bay, located in Maryland, is the largest estuary in the United States.

Assateague Island, shared by Maryland and Virginia, is famous for its wild horses that roam freely.

The first dental school in the world, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, was established in Maryland in 1840.

The United States Naval Academy, one of the most prestigious military academies, is located in Annapolis, Maryland.

Maryland has the oldest statehouse in continuous legislative use, located in Annapolis since 1772.

The Maryland blue crab is a delicacy and a significant part of the state’s culinary culture.

Ocean City, Maryland, has a boardwalk that stretches over three miles along the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its vibrant summer tourism.

Maryland is home to the National Aquarium, located in Baltimore, which houses more than 20,000 animals.

The C&O Canal, stretching 184.5 miles (297 kilometers), was built to transport goods from the Allegheny Mountains to Washington, D.C., and is now a popular recreational area.

Maryland is home to the largest free-standing structure in the world made entirely of aluminum, which is the Baltimore Ravens’ football stadium, M&T Bank Stadium.

Maryland is known for its vibrant crab feasts, where large quantities of steamed crabs are served with Old Bay seasoning.

The first railroad in the United States, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, was built in Maryland in the early 19th century.

Maryland is the birthplace of the American railroad industry, with the first successful steam-powered locomotive, the Tom Thumb, operating there in 1830.

The U.S. Census Bureau, responsible for conducting the national census, is headquartered in Suitland, Maryland.

Maryland is home to the birthplace of religious denomination Methodism. The Lovely Lane Methodist Church in Baltimore is considered the “Mother Church of American Methodism.”

The city of Frederick, Maryland, served as the temporary capital of the United States for a brief period in 1861, during the early days of the Civil War.