1. In 1812, the mayor of Baltimore, Samuel Smith, successfully defended the city against a British attack during the War of 1812. Smith became known as the "Hero of Baltimore" for his leadership during the battle.

2. On May 11, 1961, the Freedom Riders arrived in Maryland as they traveled through the South to protest segregated bus terminals. The group faced violence and arrests in several Southern states, but their activism helped to bring about the end of segregation on public transportation.

3. In 1995, Maryland became the first state in the country to make English the official language. The law requires state agencies to use English in all official business, although it does not prevent individuals from speaking other languages.

4. On May 11, 2008, Maryland passed a law legalizing medical marijuana, making it the 13th state to do so at the time. The law allowed patients with certain medical conditions to use marijuana for treatment, although it was heavily regulated.

5. In 2013, Maryland became the eighth state to legalize same-sex marriage, after a statewide referendum. The law went into effect on January 1, 2013, and allowed same-sex couples to marry and receive the same legal rights as opposite-sex couples.