Maryland is a small state with a big history

Explore the maryland mosaic, a collection of historic firsts

The Maryland Mosaic is a collection of firsts in Maryland and in our nation, demonstrating the state’s leadership of and contribution to the evolution of our nation.

 

Many of these firsts, or Mosaic Pieces, show the progress and achievement of America. Some have created conflict and damaged our citizens. But all are important building blocks for our state and country.

Agricultural machines begin

Jacob R. Thomas, a Carroll County farmer, assembles a wheat reaping machine and tries it out locally. It doesn’t cut well, but the first experiment with a mechanical reaper ushers in the age of agricultural machinery.

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America turns 250 on July 4, 2026

MAryland has contributed over 142 “National firsts” to our nation

The Maryland Mosaic was created in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The Mosaic is a collection of people, places, events, buildings, documents, and objects. The collection provides a unique picture of this small border state through the lens of its geography, political influence, participation in military conflict, and long history of collaboration between Black and White citizens. It has a statewide reach as at least one Mosaic Piece represents every county and Baltimore City.

Accordion Content

September 3, 1838

Enslaved Marylander, Washington Bailey, escapes on a train to freedom in Philadelphia. Within a few years, using his abundant speaking and writing skills, he becomes FREDERICK DOUGLASS, the country’s most famous African American abolitionist.  He is the most photographed person in the 19th century, skillful at cultivating his image.

 

September 17, 1849

27-year-old enslaved Marylander Ariminta Ross escapes her Eastern Shore home and miraculously walks on the Underground Railroad to freedom in Philadelphia. As HARRIET TUBMAN, she returns 13 more times to Dorchester County and leads at least 70 enslaved African Americans to freedom. She becomes known throughout the country as the “Moses of her people.”

1827

The MARYLAND COLONIZATION SOCIETY, an independent branch of the American Colonization Society (1816), is formed to provide a “remedy for slavery.” It creates a separate republic in Cape Palmas for free blacks called MARYLAND IN AFRICA and provides support authorized by the legislature.  After 20 years of independence, Maryland in Africa is annexed by Liberia on the eve of the Civil War.  A first controversial (failed) experiment in solving the racial problem.

July 4, 1827

The BALTIMORE & OHIO RAILROAD, America’s first, is born at a time when nothing moves faster than a horse. Within 40 years of an industrial revolution, railroads stretch across the 3,000 miles of the new country.

October 13, 1864

Thanks to the votes of Maryland’s Union soldiers fighting with the army, the state narrowly passes a new constitution freeing its enslaved African Americans three months before Congress passes the 13th Amendment.

 

September 18, 1867

Maryland passes a new constitution, renewing the voting franchise to returning Confederate soldiers. Though they lost the war, they won the peace. The Reconstruction laws are reversed as the former rebels take Democratic control of the Baltimore and state governments from the Republicans. Although the new government must accept the ratified 13th Amendment, it refuses to ratify the 14th and 15th Amendments, which would have guaranteed full citizenship and voting rights to African Americans.

September 29, 1962

A groundbreaking book written in Silver Spring, Maryland, and entitled SILENT SPRING is published by nature writer RACHEL CARSON. Praised by scientists but loudly condemned by chemical producers, the book not only leads to the banning of DDT in 1972 but also is an important contributor to the creation of Earth Day and President Nixon’s establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency.

January 18, 1777

Baltimore printer MARY KATHERINE GODDARD is the first in the new nation to publish the entire Declaration of Independence, including the names of all of the signers (adding her own). She later publishes the almanacs of African American self-taught astronomer Benjamin Banneker between 1792 and 1797.

America’s 250th Anniversary & Maryland’s Four Centuries Project

More anniversaries to come

In 2029 Baltimore City will be 300 years old. In March of 2034, Maryland will commemorate 400 years as a colony and a state.


Maryland’s Four Centuries Project, a 501C3 non-profit grassroots organization, has taken the lead in presenting commemorative programming for these key anniversaries. Our 250th anniversary commemoration—the Maryland Mosaic—is unique in its focus on Maryland’s national firsts.

Support the Maryland Mosaic

Your donation to Maryland’s Four Centuries Project supports outreach efforts that will open the door to a broader appreciation of Maryland’s impact on American history.

Land Recognition

We acknowledge the enduring presence of many American Indian tribes who once lived in Maryland and who now, having lost their lands, live in a diaspora. Read more.

© 2023 MARYLAND 400

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