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13 Sep 2024
🌒
Maryland
United States
1:20:48 AM
21 Nov 2024

Maryland Info

Abbreviation:
MD
State capital:
Annapolis
Population:
6,200,000
Largest city:
Baltimore (600,000)
State bird:
Baltimore Oriole
State flower:
Black-Eyed Susan
State tree:
White Oak

Local facts

  • Maryland is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which is Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) during the winter and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) during the summer.
  • Maryland observes Daylight Saving Time. Clocks are set forward 1 hour in March to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) and set back 1 hour in November to Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5).
  • Maryland is 3 hours ahead of California. For example, when it is 12:00 PM in Maryland (Eastern Time), it is 9:00 AM in California (Pacific Time).
  • Maryland shares the Eastern Time Zone with many other states, including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida.
  • Major industries:

    Government and Defense: With its proximity to Washington, D.C., the state has a large government and defense sector, hosting agencies like the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Defense contractors.

    Healthcare and Biotechnology: Has a robust healthcare and biotechnology sector, anchored by institutions like Johns Hopkins University and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), making it a leader in medical research.

    Information Technology and Cybersecurity: The state is a major hub for cybersecurity and IT, with a concentration of tech companies and federal agencies focused on cybersecurity initiatives.

    Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry includes food processing, electronics, and chemicals, with a strong emphasis on advanced manufacturing in areas like aerospace and defense.

    Agriculture and Aquaculture: Known for its seafood, particularly blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay, it also has agricultural sectors producing poultry, corn, and dairy products.

  • Local trivia and geography:

    Geography: The geography is diverse, featuring coastlines along the Chesapeake Bay, mountains in the western region, and urban centers near Washington, D.C.

    Trivia: Known as the “Old Line State” and is home to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, a historic institution training Navy and Marine Corps officers.

    Natural Attractions: The Chesapeake Bay is a major natural attraction, offering boating, fishing, and a unique ecosystem; the Appalachian Trail also crosses through Maryland’s scenic western region.

  • Cultural insights:

    Crab Culture: Blue crabs are a cultural staple, and crab feasts, often featuring Maryland-style steamed crabs seasoned with Old Bay, are a cherished local tradition.

    Historical Pride: Has a strong sense of historical pride, with roots in the colonial era and sites related to the War of 1812, including Fort McHenry in Baltimore, where the national anthem was inspired.

    Festivals and Events: The state celebrates its culture with events like the Maryland Renaissance Festival, Preakness Stakes horse race, and seafood festivals highlighting local cuisine.

    Sports Fandom: Marylanders are passionate about sports, especially the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles, with strong fan support throughout the state.

  • Historical context:

    Colonial Settlement: Was one of the original 13 colonies, founded in 1634 as a haven for English Catholics, and played a unique role in early American religious tolerance.

    War of 1812: The Battle of Baltimore in 1814 was a pivotal event, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became “The Star-Spangled Banner,” later the national anthem.

    Civil War Border State: Was a key border state during the Civil War, with divided loyalties and strategic importance, given its proximity to the Union capital in Washington, D.C.

    Industrialization and Growth: Grew as an industrial center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with Baltimore becoming a major port and manufacturing hub.