Pony Up for the Old Line State - Maryland's Coastal Curiosities

Maryland may be a tiny state in the corner of the United States, but as one of the first to be colonized, it is also the home to Maryland blue crabs and one of the shortest interstates in the U.S., the birthplace of Johns Hopkins and the first federally-financed highway, and the whimsical charm of the Assateague Island ponies. With nearly 400 years of history under its belt, the "Old Line State" is loaded with a lofty list of firsts and bests. You don't have to wait a century to learn more—just read on!

Let's start with Maryland's unique highways! First, there's the quirky highway of I-97, the shortest primary interstate. At a length of 17.6 miles, it's also the only primary interstate entirely in one county and doesn't connect to another primary interstate. Second is the historic national road originally called The Cumberland Road, authorized by Congress in 1806. This road inspired the eventual turnpike that connects Baltimore and Cumberland. Also known as The National Road, this was the first major improved highway, built between 1811–1837 by the federal government and became the 620-mile main transport West for thousands. This All-American Road is lined with history of the byway, monuments, diners, classic motels and inns, and more time-capsule points of interest starting from Cumberland, Maryland, heading west to Illinois.

Maryland foodies proudly showcase their native blue crabs, a multi-billion dollar industry. Though blue crabs find homes along the Atlantic Coast, they are the most valuable fishery in the Chesapeake Bay, so treasured that they are known as the state crustacean. Unlike other crabs or blue crabs from other coasts, Maryland crabs are prized for their flavor and abundant "mustard": a yellow substance found inside the crab that connoisseurs consider a delicacy. In fact, Maryland crabs' mustard is said to be a uniquely darker and deeper shade. The distinctive flavor comes from the bay's unique ecosystem of fresh and salt water. Maryland also prides itself on its crab preparation, steaming blue crabs instead of boiling, giving the blue crab a more pungent taste. This industry is carefully monitored, after seeing a stark decline in the blue crab population. Don't worry, the NOAA, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources work together to conduct studies and assessments in the Chesapeake Bay.

Many of our medical advancements are thanks to the first research university in the U.S., Johns Hopkins University. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Quaker philanthropist Johns Hopkins donated $7 million (equivalent to $162 million in 2023) to establish the university, becoming the largest philanthropic gift in history at the time. Daniel Gilman was inaugurated as the first president of the university in the year that it was founded: 1876. By 1900, Johns Hopkins was the founding member of the Association of American Universities, leading all U.S. universities in research and development over four decades. The School of Medicine, established in 1893, has since achieved international recognition for biomedical research.

Johns Hopkins has become ranked as one of the top medical schools thanks to milestones made in cardiac surgery and the human genome project—a scientific endeavor that mapped the human genome, revolutionizing genetics and enabling further advancements. The university boasts a list of Nobel Laureates in medicine and physiology, most notably Dr. Alfred Blalock, who received a Nobel Prize for his work on physiology and circulatory system surgery. Aside from research, the hospital itself holds awards for cutting-edge research facilities and patient-centered care. This Maryland-born university also excels in science and engineering, specifically in space technology and robotics.

If blue crabs, a century-old university, or quirky interstates aren't enough to bring you to Maryland, Assateague Island draws 2.1 million people annually for its clean beaches and feral ponies. Though it's unclear how these ponies arrived to the island, the lore claiming the wild ponies escaped from a shipwreck is not widely believed. The other theory is that they descended from transported animals in the 1600s. Though a third of the island is technically in Virginia, the wild herds are separated by a fence along the state line. The herds themselves are split into smaller factions of 2–12 animals with their own home range. Maryland's herd is managed by the National Park Service, while the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company tends to the Virginia herd. Assateague Island is one of the few locations to see wild horses in their natural habitat, exuding a tough beauty that has given them the ability to survive in a harsh environment. Visitors are welcome but fervently warned against getting too close to avoid injury. These horses are intended to be admired from afar.

We would be remiss to end this blog before mentioning a few of Maryland's other feats. Baltimore houses the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, noting the birthplace of the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," with "The Flag House" since 1793. The Maryland Zoo is the third largest zoo in the country, spanning 135 acres since its establishment in 1876. The very first railroad station in the U.S. was also built in this state in 1830.

Whether you're exploring the unique beaches of Assateague Island gazing at the rarely seen wild herds of ponies, enjoying a bite of blue crab straight from the Maryland coast, or checking out the revolutionary Johns Hopkins University, remember that Interstate Signways made the signs that marked the way!