7 Unique Trivia Facts About Maryland You Might Not Have Heard Before

Looking to impress with some little-known Maryland trivia? I know I’m always on the hunt for state trivia, just in case I need to impress at my next bar trivia game. We’ve curated seven unique facts about Maryland that might just surprise you. From historical quirks to fascinating tidbits, these gems might even stump the seasoned trivia buffs out there. Give them a read, and who knows, they might just earn you the winning edge in your next trivia game.

Flickr Lassi Kurkijärvi

Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to the U.S. national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812. The fort's resilience inspired Key's stirring verses, which later became a symbol of American resilience and patriotism.

Flickr MarylandGovPics

Maryland holds a prestigious place in horse racing history. The Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown, takes place at Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course annually and draws enthusiasts worldwide to witness this thrilling sporting event.

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Flickr F Delventhal

The Patuxent Research Refuge, established in 1936, stands as the nation's only national wildlife refuge created to support wildlife research. Spanning over 12,000 acres, it serves as a haven for migratory birds and conducts vital research in conservation and ecology.

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Flickr Jane Thomas

Maryland's Smith Island is renowned for its delectable specialty, the Smith Island Cake. This multi-layered dessert, featuring thin cake layers separated by creamy frosting, reflects the island's culinary heritage and sweetens any celebration.

Flickr Doug Kerr

Maryland is home to more than its fair share of haunted places, some of which include Fort McHenry, the Jonathan Hager House, Maryland State House, and Point Lookout Lighthouse.

flickr Hubble ESA

The Space Telescope Science Institute, located in Baltimore, manages the scientific operations of the Hubble Space Telescope, facilitating groundbreaking astronomical research and discoveries.

Flickr Richard Storm

Crisfield, Maryland, is known as the "Crab Capital of the World" and is celebrated for its annual National Hard Crab Derby, a festival honoring Maryland's crabbing traditions and culture.

What do you think about these unique facts about Maryland? How many were you already familiar with? Sound off in the comments section! Or, how about some quirky facts about Maryland to dive into? Weird or not, it’s always a blast learning about our home state. You can also check out these trivia books from BookShop to whet your whistle.