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Maryland became the seventh state on April 28^th 1788. Maryland is often referred to as the Old Line state after George Washington referred to the state as such in admiration of the states courageous Old Line troops.

Origin of state's name: Maryland is named in honor of the wife of King Charles I, Henrietta Maria.

Capital City: The capital city of Maryland is Annapolis, home to the US Naval Academy and an internationally celebrated Maritime community. The state is surrounded by several other states including Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the North Atlantic Ocean.

Population: The population is in excess of 5.3 million people based on the census of 2000.

Driving

Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, Driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the Maryland Motor Vehicle Department's website.

http://mva.state.md.us/

Economy: The state is famous for its seafood especially Maine Lobster and fishing plays a big role in driving the economy as do cattle, dairy, poultry, eggs and corn. The main industries include food processing, chemical and heavy machinery production.

State Flower: The state flower is the Black Eyed Susan or Rudbeckia Hirta which has a beautiful yellow orange like flower with a dark center, the black eye.

State Bird: The state bird is the Baltimore oriole or Icterus Baltimore which has a lovely singing voice except when startled when it give out a screech like sound. This bird is noted for having extraordinary diligence about how it builds its next and also where it builds its nest.

State Song: The state song is "Maryland, My Maryland" by JR Randall which was written during the civil war and echoes strong confederate sympathies

State Motto: "Strong deeds, gentle words"

Maryland – Interesting Facts

• The first school to be opened in the US opened in Maryland.
• The state capital of Annapolis once served as the US capital.
• Annapolis is often referred to as "the sailing capital of the world"
• The famous Bay Bridge over Chesapeake Bay joins western Maryland with eastern shore over
• Maryland is one of the most densely forested sates with approximately 40% of the state covered in forest.

Maryland – Famous People

Maryland is home to many famous people and many famous people wee born in the state. This includes authors, actors, athletes, politicians and entertainers. Babe Ruth the infamous baseball player was from Maryland as was Elizabeth Anne Bailey Seton who founded the Sisters of Charity. Clara Barton, the founder of the Red Cross in Maryland also lived in Maryland as was the Francis Scott Key, the lawyer who wrote the National Anthem