February 2, also known as Groundhog Day, has been observed in Maryland since the 1800s when German settlers brought the tradition to the state. Here are 5 interesting facts about February 2 in Maryland history:

1. Punxsutawney Phil's Maryland connection: The famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, has a Maryland connection. In 1914, a newspaper reported that Phil was actually a female groundhog named Phyllis and was from Baltimore rather than Pennsylvania.

2. Maryland's own groundhogs: Maryland has its own groundhogs that predict the weather on February 2. The most famous is Fredrick Friar Tuck, who resides at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Other groundhogs in the state include Potomac Phil in Montgomery County and Susquehanna Sherman in Harford County.

3. The Civil War in Maryland: On February 2, 1865, the President of the Confederate States, Jefferson Davis, met with his generals in Maryland to discuss strategy during the Civil War. The meeting took place at the Henry Wirtz Memorial Hall in Hagerstown, which was later renamed the Jefferson Davis Memorial Hall.

4. Maryland Weather Records: In 2015, a record-breaking snowstorm hit Maryland on February 2, dumping almost 30 inches of snow in some areas. This made it the fifth-largest snowstorm on record for Maryland.

5. Religious History: February 2 is also known as Candlemas Day, a Christian holiday that commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the temple. It is also the day when many churches in Maryland take down their Christmas decorations.