Maryland Day
Celebrated annually on March 25th, Maryland Day is a legal holiday in the state of Maryland in the United States. It commemorates the landing of the first European settlers in the Province of Maryland. It is also a day on which many Maryland residents take the time to celebrate their heritage and their state’s history. While this day is a legal state holiday, businesses and schools are usually open.
United States (Local observance) - MarylandHistory of Maryland Day
On March 25, 1634, European settlers arrived at St. Clement’s Island in the Province of Maryland aboard two colony ships: the Dove and the Ark. When they safely arrived on the shores of Maryland, these European settlers held a special ceremony to commemorate and give thanks for their safe arrival. However, in the following years, this day wasn’t really celebrated as a holiday. It wouldn’t be until Maryland schools began to celebrate it in 1903 that it started to gain some momentum towards becoming a state holiday. In 1916, it was finally declared an official state holiday.
Facts About Maryland
- The second-longest continuous truss bridge is the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
- The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is 1,200 feet long.
- Maryland has a combined tidal shoreline length of 4,431 miles.
- This state gave up some of its land for the formation of Washington, D.C.
- In 1696, King William’s School was opened in Maryland, becoming the first U.S. school.
- In 1830, the first railroad station was built in Baltimore, Maryland.
- On October 10, 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy was founded in Annapolis.
- In 1902, Maryland was the first state to enact workers’ compensation laws.
- In Maryland, there are 47 State Parks with over 90,000 acres of land dedicated to them.
Official Maryland State Symbols
- Official State Bird: Baltimore Oriole
- Maryland State Capital: Annapolis
- Official State Dinosaur: Astrodon johnstoni
- Official State Fish: Rockfish
- Official State Fossil: Ecphora gardnerae
- Official State Tree: White Oak
- Official State Reptile: Diamondback Terrapin Turtle
Maryland Day Customs & Traditions
On this day, schools all over Maryland hold special events and get their students involved in activities that focus exclusively on the history of the state. Some people may also use this day as an excuse to visit the capital of Maryland, Annapolis, or other historic sites located throughout the state. Art exhibits and re-enactments may also take place on this day.
United States (Local observance) - Maryland
