Baltimore printer Mary Katherine Goddard is the first in the new nation to publish the entire Declaration of Independence, including the names of all the signers and boldly adding her own which action makes her liable for treason like all other signers. She is also the Baltimore postmistress.
She later publishes the almanacs of African American self-taught astronomer Benjamin Banneker between 1792- 1797.
Thomas Smallwood coins the expression “underground railroad,” in a newspaper column in 1842. Born a slave in PG county he teams up with Charles Torrey (pictured), a white clergyman, to help over 400 slaves escape through DC.
Cpt. John Rodgers, born in Cecil County, commands frigate USS President and personally fires first shots of War of 1812.
Many successful freedom lawsuit cases are filed by enslaved individuals on Jesuit-owned plantations in Southern Maryland between 1791 and 1864. Photo shows Southern Maryland enslaved family members at a funeral.
We acknowledge the enduring presence of many American Indian tribes who once lived in Maryland and who now, having lost their lands, live in a diaspora. Read more.
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