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 »
Howard Cooper, African American, at 15 in 1885, is among the youngest persons in US to be lynched. He is lynched in front of the old Towson jail. Maryland is first to create a Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2019.
Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission established Read More »
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
“Jew Bill” legislation is passed by the Maryland Assembly in 1826, giving Jewish men all the rights of citizenship equal to Christians. Thomas Kennedy of Hagerstown is the tireless sponsor.
Jewish men gain rights of citizenship Read More »
William Paca introduces a Bill of Rights during the ratification of the US Constitution in 1788. His proposed amendments include freedom of the press, speech and religion.
William Paca is first to introduce a Bill of Rights to the new Constitution Read More »
The 1786 Annapolis Convention is a key prelude to the 1787 US Constitution Convention.
The Annapolis Convention of 1786 paves the way toward a new strong U.S. Constitution. Read More »
Ratification Day marks the end of the Revolutionary War as the Treaty of Paris is ratified in 1784 in Annapolis, making the State House the first capitol of US.
Ratification Day in Annapolis ends the Revolutionary War Read More »
George Washington resigns his Army commission to Congress in the Annapolis State House in 1783, moving the new country away from dictatorship and toward civilian control of the military.
George Washington resigns his military commission, changing the course of history. Read More »
Charles Carroll and William Paca sign the Declaration of Independence, representing Maryland. Carroll (pictured) is the only Catholic signer.
Maryland Signers of the Declaration 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.
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