Maryland's Early Inhabitants

Maryland is a state on the East Coast of the United States with a history spanning more than 350 years. Before Europeans arrived, Native American tribes such as the Piscataway and Susquehannock lived in the region for thousands of years.

The Founding of Maryland

In 1634, English settlers established the colony of Maryland, naming it after Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I. It became the first Catholic colony in the New World. After the Revolutionary War, Maryland became the 7th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1788.

Lord Baltimore (founder of Maryland)

Maryland in the 19th Century

During the 1800s, Maryland industrialized rapidly, producing iron, textiles, machinery, and tobacco. The Civil War divided the state: Union supporters dominated the west, while the east had pro-slavery sympathies. Maryland never seceded from the Union. On September 17, 1862, the Battle of Antietam occurred in Sharpsburg, Maryland—the deadliest one-day battle in American history. After the battle, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, ensuring the end of slavery following the war.

Modern Maryland and Its Heritage

In the 20th century, Maryland became a hub for technological advancements in aerospace, government, and biotechnology. The state also holds a rich cultural legacy, with historical sites such as the Antietam National Battlefield, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, and the Maryland State House. It is the birthplace of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in American history.

Battle of Antietam - NPS.gov video

Discussion Questions

1. Why was Maryland established as a Catholic colony, and how did this influence its development?
2. What role did Maryland play during the Civil War, and why didn’t it secede from the Union?
3. How did the Battle of Antietam impact the course of the Civil War and U.S. history?
4. Why is Maryland considered a hub of cultural and historical significance today?

Glossary

• Ratify – To formally approve or confirm something, such as a law or agreement.
• Industrialization – The process of developing industries in a region or country.
• Emancipation Proclamation – An executive order by President Lincoln declaring the freedom of slaves in Confederate states.
• Hub – A center of activity or importance.
• Secede – To withdraw formally from an organization or political union.

Five Interesting Facts About Maryland

1. Maryland was the first Catholic colony in the New World.
2. The Battle of Antietam was the deadliest one-day battle in U.S. history.
3. Maryland never seceded from the Union despite internal divisions during the Civil War.
4. It is the birthplace of both Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass.
5. Maryland is a leader in biotechnology and aerospace innovation.

Timeline of Maryland's History

• Pre-1600s: Piscataway and Susquehannock tribes inhabit the region.
• 1634: Maryland colony founded by English settlers.
• 1649: Maryland Toleration Act passed, granting religious freedom to Christians.
• 1776: Maryland participates in the American Revolution.
• 1788: Becomes the 7th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
• 1800s: Industrialization boosts the economy.
• 1861: Civil War begins; Maryland remains in the Union.
• Sept 17, 1862: Battle of Antietam occurs.
• 1863: Emancipation Proclamation issued after Antietam.
• 1900s: Maryland becomes a center for technological innovation.
• 1960s: Growth of aerospace and biotechnology industries.
• Today: Maryland remains a historically rich and economically vital state.