Captain John Smith first explored Maryland in 1608. Since that time the state has furnished the nation with some of its most brilliant diplomats and patriots. Famous Marylanders include Benjamin Banneker, Francis Scott Key, Edgar Allen Poe and Upton Sinclair and Babe Ruth. The bravery of Maryland troops in the Revolution won the state its nickname, “The Old Line State.“ Named after Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I of England, Maryland is the eighth smallest state in the union with a total area of 10,460 square miles.

Two hundred Europeans settle Maryland in 1634 and the state has flourished ever since. Maryland was the seventh of the original 13 states to ratify the Constitution on Apr. 28, 1788. In the War of 1812, a British fleet attempted to seize Fort McHenry in Baltimore. During a 25-hour bombardment on Sept. 13-14, 1814, American troops successfully defended the fort, inspiring Marylander Frances Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner, which later became our national anthem. The historic sights of Maryland are a great attraction for tourists and residents alike. Call 1-800-543-1036 for Maryland tourist information.

Annapolis

www.annapolis.gov

Founded in the mid 17th century, Annapolis has been the capital of Maryland since 1695. It was the first peacetime capital of the United States. Since 1845, it has been the home of the U.S. Naval Academy. Tours are available at the State House, where Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris in 1784 that officially put an end to the American Revolution, just weeks after receiving George Washington's resignation. The State House, built in 1772, is located in the center of Annapolis and was the first capitol of the United States. Today, it is the oldest state house still in legislative use in America. For further information regarding tours, call (410) 974-3400.

United States Naval Academy

121 Blake Road

Annapolis, Md. 21402-5000

(410) 263-6933

www.nadn.navy.mil

Visit the U.S. Naval Academy and walk the grounds of the world-famous higher institution for U.S. Naval officers and home for approximately 4,500 midshipmen and women. Established in 1845, the academy displays parades, concerts and other various events every year during “Commissioning Week,“ finishing off with midshipmen graduation in late May. The Naval Academy Museum features 300 years of American Naval history. The center is open daily. Guided walking tours of the grounds are offered through the visitor center. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Antietam National Battlefield

One mile north of Sharpsburg, Md., on Route 65.

(301) 432-5124

www.nps.gov⁄anti⁄home

General Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North culminated with the Battle of Antietam, in Maryland (or Sharpsburg, as the South called it). The battle took place Wednesday, Sept. 17, 1862, just 18 days after the Confederate victory at Second Manassas, 40 miles to the southeast in Virginia.

The Visitor Center houses the museum, an observation room, a 134-seat theater, bookstore, and research library. The Visitor Center is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. An all-inclusive park entrance fee of $3.00 per adult or $5.00 per family is required. Children 16 and under are free. Ask about Military Group rates.

Baltimore

www.ci.baltimore.md.us

The original town of Baltimore was founded in 1729, but it wasn't incorporated until 1796. Baltimore was named to honor the title of Maryland's founding family, the six Lords Baltimore. It was a tiny village of 200 homes in 1768 when it became the Baltimore County seat. The city grew and became an important shipbuilding center, where merchants prospered and the city's port flourished. The city was separated from Baltimore County and given status equal to that of the counties in 1851. Baltimore was the third largest city in the nation by 1860 and today is the 13th largest. It is one of only two independent cities in the United States. With a world port, government offices, significant medical and educational institutions, and major tourist attractions, Baltimore is one of the most important cities on the East Coast.

Neighborhoods in Baltimore include Federal Hill, Fells Point, Little Italy and Mount Vernon Place. The popular neighborhood of Federal Hill was named for a huge celebration the residents held in honor of the ratification of the federal Constitution. The cannon on the hill overlooking the Inner Harbor is a reminder of the Civil War, when federal troops seized the railroads and occupied Baltimore and Annapolis to keep Maryland in the Union and to prevent Washington, D.C., from being surrounded by Confederate states.

Among Baltimore's literary landmarks is a house lived in by Edgar Allan Poe, who died in Baltimore in 1849. He is buried in Westminster Cemetery, where Baltimore teachers and schoolchildren erected a monument to him with money collected in 1875.

Fort McHenry

Baltimore, Md.

410-962-4299

www.nps.gov⁄fomc

This historic site, located in south Baltimore, features a replica flagpole on the 1814 site that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that later became our national anthem. The fort, named after James McHenry, Secretary of War from 1796 to 1800, also features guard rooms, officers' quarters, barracks, and cannons from the War of 1812 and Civil War periods.

The Fort McHenry guard, in historic attire, re-enacts life at the garrison on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Guided tours are conducted daily from mid-June to August. Special exhibits are available for those people who are visually or hearing impaired, and the visitor center has an exhibit area featuring a film. Open daily except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

333 West Camden St.

Baltimore, Md. 21230

410-685-9800

www.theorioles.com

Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the beautiful baseball-only facility in downtown Baltimore, became the official home of the Orioles April 6, 1992. Oriole Park is state-of-the-art yet unique, traditional, and intimate in design. It blends with the urban context of downtown Baltimore while taking its image from baseball parks built in the early 20th century. The ballpark seats 48,876. A light rail system brings fans directly to the park.

The Baltimore Zoo

Druid Hill Park

Baltimore, Md. 21217

410-366-LION (recording) or

410-396-7102

www.baltimorezoo.org

The Baltimore Zoo is located in northern Baltimore. Visit the zoo to see more than 2,000 animals while learning more about the animal kingdom. Learn about endangered wildlife at Keeper Encounters, EdZOOcation classes, behind-the-scenes tours, and Zoo Camps. The main zoo features a three-acre African elephant park and a hippo, and African flamingo exhibit. Take a safari through Africa. Discover hands-on adventures in our #1-rated Children's Zoo. And explore the winding path through the Lyn P. Meyerhoff Maryland Wilderness. Open every day except Christmas.