1. Maryland adopted its first constitution on October 1, 1776.
On this day, Maryland adopted its first constitution. The constitution laid out how the state government would operate and serve the people of Maryland.

2. Maryland celebrated the opening of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal on October 1, 1828.
After years of planning and construction, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal officially opened on October 1, 1828. The canal was instrumental in the economic growth of Maryland and the surrounding states, as it provided a convenient transportation route for goods and materials.

3. The Great Baltimore Fire broke out on October 1, 1904.
One of the most devastating events in Maryland's history occurred on October 1, 1904, when the Great Baltimore Fire broke out. The fire destroyed more than 1,500 buildings and caused millions of dollars in damages.

4. The University of Maryland was officially founded on October 1, 1856.
On October 1, 1856, the Maryland Agricultural College was officially founded. The college would later become the University of Maryland, College Park, and is now one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the state.

5. Maryland abolished capital punishment on October 1, 2013.
After much debate and discussion, Maryland abolished the death penalty on October 1, 2013. The state became the 18th in the United States to abolish capital punishment, and the first in the South to do so.