Maryland Atlas

Maryland facts and history plus travel and tourism information.

Capital: Annapolis
Abbreviations: MD (postal), Md.
Area: 12,297 square miles
State Bird: Baltimore Oriole
State Tree: White Oak
State Flower: Black-eyed Susan
State Motto: Fatti Maschii, Parole Femine - Manly deeds, womanly words
Nicknames: The Free State, The Old Line State

As one of the thirteen original colonies, Maryland has an extremely rich history and many national parks. The Treaty of Paris was ratified by the Continental Congress in Annapolis in 1784, ending the Revolutionary War. Following the war, Maryland became the seventh state on April 28, 1788. Three years later, land for the nation's capital, Washington DC, was chosen from the state of Maryland. The Civil War battle at Antietam Creek was also fought within Maryland's borders. Historic buildings are plentiful in Annapolis and other areas of the state.

Maryland is not just for the history buff or politician. The extensive Chesapeake Bay estuary in eastern Maryland is an important marine habitat, supporting fish and shellfish within its waters and waterfowl along its banks. Sailors, fishermen, and duck hunters all enjoy the recreational opportunities afforded by the waters of Chesapeake Bay. Wild ponies along the Assateague Island National Seashore as well as the numerous animal species and outdoor activities in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge both attract tourists each year to Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Maryland Map

More Maryland Information

1. Maryland Government - official Maryland state website.
2. Maryland Office of Tourism
3. National Parks of Maryland
4. Maryland QuickFacts - from the US Census Bureau.
5. 50States.com - Maryland

Maryland Resources

• Maryland Real Estate - real estate information about Maryland.
• Maryland Colleges and Universities - higher education institutions in Maryland.
• Maryland Libraries - list of libraries in Maryland.

Maryland History and Geography