As I’m sure you know, Maryland is impressive in more ways than one. In the following piece, we’re focusing on some of the little-known things Maryland did first. This includes historical contributions and inventions from Maryland that helped build its infrastructure. So, if you’re a fan of trivia and random fun facts, then I think you may want to keep this information about Maryland firsts in your back pocket.

1. Maryland was the first state to dedicate a monument to George Washington.
Flickr / Chung Chu
When people hear the words Washington Monument, they instantly imagine DC. However, the Washington Monument found in Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood was constructed before that, in 1815.

There's also another Washington Monument in Maryland, located at Washington Monument State Park in Boonsboro.
2. Worker's Compensation has become a valuable Maryland first.
Flickr / Sandor Weisz
Maryland was the first state to pass Worker's Compensation laws in 1902.
3. Maryland is home to the nation's first dental school.
Flickr / Hazma Butt
Not many know that The University of Maryland was the first of its kind in the country.

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4. City magazines are inventions from Maryland.
Flickr / David Clow
Baltimore Magazine began in 1906 and is still going strong. An impressive feat, indeed.
5. The appointment of the first African American supreme court justice was a proud Maryland first.
Flickr / J. Stephen Conn
The ever-inspiring Thurgood Marshall was a lifelong Marylander who had an impactful role in American history.
6. The first national road was another thing Maryland did first.
Flickr / Steve 1828
In 1811, the Federal Government planned and began construction on The Historic National Road in Cumberland. You can still drive among several parts of this historical road today.
7. The birthplace of the US railroad was another invention from Maryland.
Flickr / Chung Chu
You can still ride the United States' first commercial mile of the railroad at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore. A historic day trip full of fun.

Do you know of some other Maryland firsts that should be added to this list? If so, feel free to share your thoughts in the following comments section.

If you’d like to learn more about the Old Line State, take a look at this piece about Maryland’s oldest towns. I also encourage you to check out this article highlighting fun facts about Maryland.

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Maryland Firsts

Marla S. | June 07, 2023

What are some fun facts about Maryland?

Along with learning about inventions from Maryland, here are some fun facts about the Old Line State for you to enjoy.

  • Jousting was declared the state's official sport back in 1962.
  • Back in the early 1890s, the Ouija Board was invented in Maryland.
  • The country's national anthem was written in Baltimore.
  • In 1814, the small town of Brookville was declared the state's capital for one day.
  • The town of Chevy Chase wasn't named after the actor and comedian.

 

To learn more about these and other things from Maryland, enjoy reading this previous coverage featuring fun facts about the Old Line State.

What are some unusual laws from Maryland? 

In addition to the unique things from Maryland, here are some unusual laws from the Old Line State that I think you'll find interesting.

  • It's against the law for men to buy an alcoholic drink from a female bartender.
  • You're not allowed to eat while you're swimming in the ocean.
  • It's prohibited to wear sleeveless shirts if you're in a public park.
  • Swearing isn't allowed within Baltimore's city limits.

 

If you'd like to know more about these and more unusual things from the Old Line State, check out this piece about strange laws in Maryland.

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