An engaging and accessible introductory history of the people, places,
culture, and politics that shaped Maryland.
In 1634, two ships carrying a small group of settlers sailed into the
Chesapeake Bay looking for a suitable place to dwell in the new colony
of Maryland. The landscape confronting the pioneers bore no resemblance
to their native country. They found no houses, no stores or markets,
churches, schools, or courts, only the challenge of providing food and
shelter. As the population increased, colonists in search of greater
opportunity moved on, slowly spreading and expanding the settlement
across what is now the great state of Maryland.
In Maryland, historians recount the stories of struggle and success of
these early Marylanders and those who followed to reveal how people
built modern Maryland. Originally published in 1986, this new edition
has been thoroughly revised and updated. Spanning the years from the
1600s to the beginning of Governor Larry Hogan's term of office in
January 2015, the book more fully fleshes out Native American, African
American, and immigrant history. It also includes completely new content
on politics, arts and culture, business and industry, education, the
natural environment, and the role of women as well as notable leaders in
all these fields.
Maryland is heavily illustrated, with nearly two hundred photographs
and illustrations (more than half of them in full color), as well as
related maps, charts, and graphs, many of which are new to this book. An
extensive index and a comprehensive Further Reading section provide
extremely useful tools for readers looking to engage more deeply with
Maryland history. Touching on major figures from George Calvert to
Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman to William Donald Schaefer, this
book takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the history of
the Free State. It should be in every library and classroom in Maryland.
