2.  The state flag of Maryland was officially adopted in 1904.  The seal: The motto: Fatti Maschii Parole Femine Strong Deeds, Gentle Words

3. Pennsylvania-Delaware-Virginia-the District of Columbia-West Virginia

4.  State bird: Baltimore oriole  State flower: black-eyed Susan Population: 5,699,478 Area: 27,076 sq km (42nd biggest state)

5.  State fish: Rockfish  State tree: White oak  State sport: jousting  State beverage: milk

6. In 1608 the English explorer Capt. John Smith sailed into Chesapeake Bay.   The first settlement and capi capital was St. Mary’s CityCccc City.

7. Maryland was named to honor the Queen consort Henrietta Maria (1609-1669), the wife of Britain’s King Charles I. One of the original 13 states.

8.  Maryland is classified at being temperate of climate  the average annual minimum temperature can vary from -15 degrees in the mountains of Garrett County, to 10 degrees in southern Maryland and Ocean City.  In summer, the average temperature is +22.6 degrees. Maryland summers vary from mild to hot.

9.  In winter, western counties experience colder weather, and more snow.  Average seasonal snowfall: 0.5 m. The most snowfall ever recorded was during the winter of 2009-10.

10.  Farming (corn, soybeans, tobacco,  poultry and dairy products)  Mining (coal)  Steel products  Communications equipment  Fishing (crabs and oysters)

11.  Maryland forests cover approximately 2.7 million acres (43%) of the states land surface.  Oak and hickory are the dominant hardwood, making 60% of forested areas.  Loblolly pine is the most prevalent softwood.

12.  The highest point in Maryland is 3,360 feet above sea level on Backbone Mountain in Garrett County.  The absolute lowest point in Maryland is a depression, often called Bloody Point Hole, 174 feet below sea level.  Sixteen of the 23 Maryland counties border on tidal water. The combined length of tidal shoreline, including islands, is 4,431 miles.

13.  Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Western Shore embrace the Chesapeake Bay, and the many estuaries and rivers create one of the longest waterfronts of any state.

14.  Maryland is governed under a constitution adopted in 1867.  The general assembly consists of 47 senators and 141 delegates, all elected for four-year terms.  The governor, also elected for a four-year term, may succeed him- or herself once.  The state elects two U.S. senators and eight representatives.  Democrats traditionally dominate state government;

15.  William Nuthead started the first printing business in St. Mary’s City in 1685.  The Maryland Gazette founded in 1727.  In 1844 the first telegraph line in the world was established between Washington and Baltimore.

16.  America's national anthem was written by Francis Scott Key a Maryland lawyer.  Maryland gave up some of it's land to form Washington D.C.  Annapolis was known as the Athens of America during the 17th century and once served as the capital of the United States.