The Ritchie Boys, trained in Maryland in 1942, are an important secret weapon for the allies in World War II. Exiled European Jews are trained in intelligence for the allies. They interrogate prisoners, interpret, translate and read code.
Greenbelt opens in 1937 and becomes the largest and most successful of New Deal “greenbelt” towns. It becomes a model for others suburbs.
Greenbelt, largest and most successful of the New Deal towns Read More »
The General Assembly makes new (old) flag official in 1904. Based on heraldic crests in the George Calvert family it is now the most popular and most recognized state flag. The flag was used by both sides during the Civil War conflict. A full description of the flag’s history is on Maryland Secretary of State’s website.
Maryland’s flag, the most popular, has a long history Read More »
In Baltimore in 1870 the largest national gathering celebrates Congress passing 15th Amendment. The Maryland Assembly does not pass 15th until 1973.
Governor Thomas Swann oversees the Maryland convention that passes new a constitution in 1867, renewing the franchise for returning Confederate soldiers and sets back the new political gains of newly freed slaves. Maryland refuses to ratify 14th & 15th amendments.
An 1867 constitution reverses the one in 1864, re-infranchising returning Confederates Read More »
Maryland unionists pass a new state constitution in 1864 that outlaws slavery and disenfranchises Confederate sympathizers
Baltimore secessionist rioters attack Massachusetts infantry passing through the city on the way to Washington in 1861, marking the first bloodshed of the Civil War.
Pratt Street Riots are first bloodshed of the Civil War Read More »
Edward Gorsuch of Monkton, pursues 13 enslaved escapees in 1851 to Christiana, just over the Pennsylvania line. Although he has a warrant under the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act., the free Black community defends the escapees and Gorsuch is killed. It is the first test of federal legislation to retrieve escaped slaves.
Fugitive Slave Act is tested in Monkton Read More »
The 1819 US Supreme Court decision in the McCulloch vs Maryland Case expands federal power by ruling for the national bank over state banks. Chief US Justice John Marshall rules in favor of the federal government.
McCulloch vs. Maryland is the largest expansion of federal power to date Read More »
The Maryland Colonization Society is formed in 1827 to encourage free Blacks to emigrate to Africa. The Maryland General Assembly funds a separate republic in Liberia for 20 years. Map shows Maryland colony in lower right.
Maryland Colonization Society creates a republic in Africa Read More »
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.
© 2023 MARYLAND 400
