1. In 1789, Maryland ratified the United States Constitution, becoming the seventh state to do so. This historic event solidified Maryland's role as an important player in the formation of the new nation.
2. On January 23, 1915, legendary jazz pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington was born in Washington, D.C., just a few miles from the Maryland border. Ellington's innovative music would go on to influence countless musicians and earn him a permanent place in American musical history.
3. In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the landmark case of Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide. This decision had a profound impact on Maryland and the rest of the country and continues to be a source of debate and controversy to this day.
4. On January 23, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded just 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all seven crew members, including Maryland native Ronald E. McNair. McNair was a physicist and astronaut who had already completed one successful mission into space and was poised to become one of the most accomplished astronauts in history.
5. In 2013, Maryland became the eighth state to legalize same-sex marriage, following a long and hard-fought battle for equal rights. This historic decision signaled a major shift in attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals and paved the way for further progress in the fight for civil rights.
5 Fun Facts About January 23 In Maryland History
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