Maryland is full of surprises, especially when it comes to these fun facts. From the state’s history, to our small towns, there’s always more to learn. Check out this list of quirky facts about Maryland and see how many are new to you!
- To get to Maryland’s highest point, you have to start in West Virginia.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr The trail to Maryland’s highest point, known as Hoye-Crest, starts in Silver Lake, WV. The trail is just under a mile to the top, and along the way, you’ll cross back into Maryland.
- Maryland’s official state sport? Jousting!
Craig / Flickr Jousting become the official state sport in 1962.
- The USS Constellation at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor isn’t just a pretty ship. It was active for 100 years and served in military conflicts.
May / Flickr This vibrant vessel was commissioned all the way back in 1855, and also played an important role in ending foreign slave trade.
- Maryland’s town of Havre de Grace is known as the decoy capital of the world.
Havre de Grace Decoy Museum / Facebook There’s even a decoy museum in town where you’ll find hundreds of hand-carved ducks, geese, and more.
- Sure, the Maryland flag is a US state flag, but it’s actually based on British heraldry.
Austin Kirk / Flickr It’s actually the ONLY state flag to be based on English heraldry.
- Maryland is the birthplace of the infamous Ouija Board.
Yingyang Wolf / Google Elijah Wood, a Baltimorean, created the first Ouija Board in the early 1890s. You can now find Wood’s one-of-a-kind gravestone at Green Mount Cemetery in Baltimore.
- The country’s most patriotic song, the National Anthem, was written in Baltimore.
Zan Ready / Flickr Marylander Francis Scott Key wrote the National Anthem, also known as The Star Spangled Banner. It was inspired during the War of 1812.
- Even though National Bohemian is an iconic beer in Maryland, it hasn’t been brewed in the state since 1996.
ehpien / Flickr This brand of beer is currently being made in Albany, Georgia and Trenton, Ohio.
- There’s a town in Maryland called Chevy Chase, but no, it’s not named after the actor.
Alan Light / Flickr The name origins of Chevy Chase, Maryland actually date back to the 1800s.
- The small town of Brookeville was the US Capital for one day.
Dan Reed / Flickr In 1814, President James Madison stayed in Brookeville for one night, while also conducting business and sending dispatches. Because of this, Brookeville was named the United States Capital for a day.
Did you know these quirky facts about Maryland? What other fun facts would you add to the list? Feel free to share in the comments!
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
The trail to Maryland’s highest point, known as Hoye-Crest, starts in Silver Lake, WV. The trail is just under a mile to the top, and along the way, you’ll cross back into Maryland.
Craig / Flickr
Jousting become the official state sport in 1962.
May / Flickr
This vibrant vessel was commissioned all the way back in 1855, and also played an important role in ending foreign slave trade.
Havre de Grace Decoy Museum / Facebook
There’s even a decoy museum in town where you’ll find hundreds of hand-carved ducks, geese, and more.
Austin Kirk / Flickr
It’s actually the ONLY state flag to be based on English heraldry.
Yingyang Wolf / Google
Elijah Wood, a Baltimorean, created the first Ouija Board in the early 1890s. You can now find Wood’s one-of-a-kind gravestone at Green Mount Cemetery in Baltimore.
Zan Ready / Flickr
Marylander Francis Scott Key wrote the National Anthem, also known as The Star Spangled Banner. It was inspired during the War of 1812.
ehpien / Flickr
This brand of beer is currently being made in Albany, Georgia and Trenton, Ohio.
Alan Light / Flickr
The name origins of Chevy Chase, Maryland actually date back to the 1800s.
Dan Reed / Flickr
In 1814, President James Madison stayed in Brookeville for one night, while also conducting business and sending dispatches. Because of this, Brookeville was named the United States Capital for a day.
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