1. In 1783, construction of the Maryland State House was completed in Annapolis. It is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the United States and served as the nation's capital from 1783 to 1784.
2. In 1864, the Battle of Cedar Creek took place in Virginia during the American Civil War, with many Maryland soldiers fighting on both sides. Union General Philip Sheridan's victory in the battle secured Maryland's western border from Confederate raids for the remainder of the war.
3. In 1927, a fire destroyed the town of Bel Air's courthouse, records, and jail. The courthouse was rebuilt and still stands as a historic landmark today.
4. In 1986, the Maryland Renaissance Festival opened in Crownsville as a celebration of medieval history and culture. It has since become one of the largest and most popular Renaissance Festivals in the United States.
5. In 2013, Maryland became the 18th state to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in the state. The law went into effect on January 1, 2013.