1. Maryland achieved statehood on March 15, 1776, becoming the seventh state in the newly formed United States of America. Although this date is often overshadowed by the more well-known Independence Day on July 4th, it holds significant importance in Maryland history as a symbol of the state's involvement in the fight for independence.

2. March 15, 1822 marked the opening of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, the first passenger and freight railroad in the United States. The B&O Railroad played a vital role in the industrialization of America, ushering in a new era of transportation and commerce.

3. On March 15, 1956, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connecting Virginia and Maryland was officially opened to vehicular traffic. The bridge-tunnel remains one of the largest engineering feats of its kind, spanning the expansive Chesapeake Bay and drastically cutting down travel time for those crossing between Maryland and Virginia.

4. The Maryland House of Delegates unanimously passed legislation on March 15, 2013 declaring the Smith Island Cake the official state dessert of Maryland. This multilayered cake, made with rich yellow cake and frosted with decadent chocolate icing, is a beloved traditional dessert that dates back to the 1800s.

5. On March 15, 2020, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced the closure of all bars and restaurants across the state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This order marked one of the first statewide shutdowns in the country, and was just the beginning of a year-long struggle for businesses and individuals across Maryland to navigate the pandemic.