How many of these facts do you know?

Do you feel like you know your home state inside and out? If you’re already familiar with these fun facts, then perhaps you’ve taken one too many tours! Use these fun facts about Maryland to impress your out-of-state friends! They'll be in awe of you and your trivia skills!

Maryland is often referred to as a “Mini-America”

You can experience just about every variety of terrain without leaving the state, including mountains, beaches, cities, sand dunes, and farmland. Maybe the next time you find yourself with an empty schedule, try and see how many different landscapes you can cram into one day!

The Baltimore Ravens are named after the famous poem by Edgar Allan Poe

One may not consider poetry and football a duo as perfect as peanut butter and jelly, but the beloved Baltimore football team managed to make these worlds collide! The team was named in honor of famous poet (and Baltimore resident) Edgar Allan Poe, though the tribute doesn’t end there. Their mascot’s name is Poe, and when originally unveiled he had two costumed brothers named “Edgar” and “Allan” who were officially retired after the 2008 season ended.

The first school in the U.S. was founded in Maryland

Maryland’s been educating some of our most prominent historical figures longer than most states have even existed. In 1696, the King William’s School opened its doors and became the country’s first “free” school. The academic institution has since planted roots in a handful of notable events in history. It was later chartered in 1784 and renamed St. John’s College, making it one of the oldest colleges in the U.S. Today, it serves as a private Liberal Arts school.

The Ouija board was invented in Maryland

If you’re looking for a paranormal experience you’ll never forget, visit the grave of Ouija board creator, Elijah Bond. The founder was so enamored by his contraption he had it carved into the back of his tombstone. Evidence suggests the name of the board was conceived in the southeast corner of Charles and Centre Street in Baltimore ... by a ghost communicating from beyond the grave! Helen Peters, an alleged medium, sat with Elijah Bond (her brother-in-law) and asked the spirit what the name of their new game should be called. The planchette then hovered over the letters O-U-I-J-A.

You can thank Maryland for your six-pack

Or rather, you can thank them for your growing beer belly. The first six-pack of beer was sold in Maryland by the National Brewing Company in the 1940s. The organization would later become Baltimore’s favorite brew, National Bohemian (or, Natty Boh if you ask the locals). Knowing four would be too few, and eight would be too many, the company developed the six-pack for a size that was juuuust right for satisfying consumers. Next time you crack open a can or six of Natty Boh, make sure to toast to your home state for reinventing the way beer is packaged!

What’s your favorite Maryland fun fact? Do you know something about the Old Line State you think no one else does? Let us know in the comments!