Maryland’s history goes back hundreds of years but what major events do you remember happening in your lifetime? From grand structures being built to the place where sports legends were born, here are 10 moments everyone born in Maryland will always remember — depending on your age, of course.
- 1952 - The Chesapeake Bay Bridge opens
Flickr / Andrew Griffith At 4.3 miles in length, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge was once the world’s longest continuous over-water steel structure. Although it no longer holds the title, it’s still impressive and has become a treasured landmark in the state.
- 1966, 1970, and 1983 - The Baltimore Orioles win the World Series
Flickr / Keith Allison If you were alive in the 60s, 70s, or 80s, you may have witnessed the Baltimore Orioles win a World Series. Sure it’s been a while, but the games are still a fun and traditional part of summertime.
- 1981 to 2001 - Cal Ripken Jr. plays for the Baltimore Orioles and becomes a sports legend
Wikimedia Commons / Rdikeman Speaking of the Orioles, Cal Ripken became a superstar not only in the area, but throughout the nation. Go to an Orioles game (or anywhere around Maryland and beyond) and you’ll still see people wearing their number 8 jerseys.
- 1967 - Thurgood Marshall is confirmed as first African American Supreme Court Justice
Flickr / Jim Bowen Did you know that the first African American Supreme Court Justice was born right here in Baltimore? Thurgood Marshall’s confirmation was a historic and inspiring moment.
- 1988 - The Baltimore-based Hairspray film is released
Flickr / A.Currell Good morning, Baltimore! Do you remember the original Hairspray movie? It was directed, produced, and written by Maryland’s own John Waters. The 1988 film quickly gained popularity, making way for future musicals and movie remakes.
- 1996 - The North American blizzard
Wikimedia Commons / NOAA In January 1996, a nor’easter hit the east coast, causing snow to build up fast. Many areas in Maryland received over two-feet of snow and while it may have been an annoyance for adults, children were more than happy to have several days off of school.
- 2001 and 2013 - The Baltimore Ravens win the Super Bowl
Wikimedia Commons / Austin Kirk Those who bleed purple will never forget when the Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl – twice! First in 2001 against the New York Giants and then again in 2013 against the San Francisco 49ers.
- 2004 - Michael Phelps wins his first of many Olympic gold medals
Flickr / Daniel Coomber Phelps was born in Baltimore and grew up in the Towson area. While he didn’t win any medals during his Olympic debut in 2000, he more than made up for it in 2004. He left the Athens Olympics with six gold and two bronze medals, solidifying himself as a swimming icon. He finished his swimming career years later with 28 Olympic medals total – 23 of which are gold.
- 2015 - Baltimore protests for Freddie Gray
Wikimedia Commons / Veggies In April 2015, Freddie Gray was critically injured while in custody of the Baltimore Police Department, later resulting in his death. National outrage and protests spread across the country, particularly in Baltimore. Some demonstrators turned to rioting, lighting up cars and looting local businesses. The footage was on every major news station.
- 2016 and 2018 - Historic Ellicott City Flooding
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program Ellicott City’s Main Street area had not one, but two historic floods just two years apart. It was especially heartbreaking for businesses that rebuilt after the first flood, only to have it all destroyed again.
Which Maryland moments have stuck with you most? What would you add to the list? Let us know below!
Flickr / Andrew Griffith
At 4.3 miles in length, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge was once the world’s longest continuous over-water steel structure. Although it no longer holds the title, it’s still impressive and has become a treasured landmark in the state.
Flickr / Keith Allison
If you were alive in the 60s, 70s, or 80s, you may have witnessed the Baltimore Orioles win a World Series. Sure it’s been a while, but the games are still a fun and traditional part of summertime.
Wikimedia Commons / Rdikeman
Speaking of the Orioles, Cal Ripken became a superstar not only in the area, but throughout the nation. Go to an Orioles game (or anywhere around Maryland and beyond) and you’ll still see people wearing their number 8 jerseys.
Flickr / Jim Bowen
Did you know that the first African American Supreme Court Justice was born right here in Baltimore? Thurgood Marshall’s confirmation was a historic and inspiring moment.
Flickr / A.Currell
Good morning, Baltimore! Do you remember the original Hairspray movie? It was directed, produced, and written by Maryland’s own John Waters. The 1988 film quickly gained popularity, making way for future musicals and movie remakes.
Wikimedia Commons / NOAA
In January 1996, a nor’easter hit the east coast, causing snow to build up fast. Many areas in Maryland received over two-feet of snow and while it may have been an annoyance for adults, children were more than happy to have several days off of school.
Wikimedia Commons / Austin Kirk
Those who bleed purple will never forget when the Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl – twice! First in 2001 against the New York Giants and then again in 2013 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Flickr / Daniel Coomber
Phelps was born in Baltimore and grew up in the Towson area. While he didn’t win any medals during his Olympic debut in 2000, he more than made up for it in 2004. He left the Athens Olympics with six gold and two bronze medals, solidifying himself as a swimming icon. He finished his swimming career years later with 28 Olympic medals total – 23 of which are gold.
Wikimedia Commons / Veggies
In April 2015, Freddie Gray was critically injured while in custody of the Baltimore Police Department, later resulting in his death. National outrage and protests spread across the country, particularly in Baltimore. Some demonstrators turned to rioting, lighting up cars and looting local businesses. The footage was on every major news station.
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
Ellicott City’s Main Street area had not one, but two historic floods just two years apart. It was especially heartbreaking for businesses that rebuilt after the first flood, only to have it all destroyed again.
For more fascinating things about the Old Line State, click here!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
