Maryland in American History
Timeline of Events
- 1632: Founded as the Province of Maryland by George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore
- 1776: Ratifies the Declaration of Independence
- 1781: Battle of Cowpens, a turning point in the Revolutionary War
- 1788: Ratifies the Constitution
- 1812: War of 1812, Battle of Bladensburg
- 1861: Secedes from the Union and joins the Confederate States of America
- 1863: Battle of Antietam, a major battle of the Civil War * 1864: Ratifies the 13th amendment]] abolishing slavery
- 1906: Great Baltimore Fire
- 1933: Ratifies the 21st Amendment repealing Prohibition
- 1954: Brown v. Board of Education, a landmark Supreme Court case
- 1964: Civil Rights Act of 1964, passed through Congress with strong support from Maryland
- 1991: Gulf War, Maryland National Guard deployed
- 2001: 9/11 attacks, Maryland residents among the victims
Important Legislation
- 1649: Maryland Toleration Act, guaranteeing religious freedom
- 1816: Charter of the Bank of Maryland, establishing the state’s first bank
- 1851: Fugitive Slave Act of 1851, requiring the return of escaped slaves
- 1864: Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in Maryland
- 1941: World War II Draft Act, requiring all men aged 18-45 to register for military service
- 1964: Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing discrimination based on race, color, Religion, sex, or national origin
Important Court Cases
- 1803: Marbury v. Madison, establishing the principle of judicial review
- 1857: Dred Scott v. Sandford, ruling that slaves were not citizens
- 1954: Brown v. Board of Education, declaring segregation in public schools unconstitutional
Major Industry
- Agriculture: Maryland is known for its seafood, soybeans, and corn
- Manufacturing: Aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology
- Tourism: Historic Annapolis and Baltimore Harbor are major attractions
- Financial services: Baltimore is a regional financial hub
Impact on the Rest of the Country
- Maryland was a key player in the American Revolution and played a significant role in the Civil War.
- The state’s port of Baltimore was a major center of commerce and trade.
- Maryland is home to the National Security Agency, a vital part of the nation’s intelligence apparatus.
- The state’s universities and research institutions make it a hub of innovation and technological advancement.
- Maryland’s diverse population and history have contributed to its unique culture and made it a welcoming destination for immigrants and visitors.