Maryland State Maps
These maps show Maryland's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.

The Counties of Maryland and Their Name Origins
- Allegany County: Named after the Allegheny Mountains, which pass through the region.
- Anne Arundel County: Named after Anne Arundel, the wife of Lord Baltimore, the founder of Maryland.
- Baltimore County: Named after the Proprietor of the Maryland Colony, Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore.
- Calvert County: Named for the Calvert family, the founders of the Maryland colony.
- Caroline County: Named after Caroline Eden, the wife of Maryland's last colonial governor, Robert Eden.
- Carroll County: Named for Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from Maryland.
- Cecil County: Named after Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore, the first Proprietor of Maryland.
- Charles County: Named for Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore.
- Frederick County: Named for Frederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore.
- Garrett County: Named for John Work Garrett, the president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
- Harford County: Named for Henry Harford, the illegitimate son of Frederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore.
- Howard County: Named for John Eager Howard, a Revolutionary War officer and governor of Maryland.
- Kent County: Named after the county of Kent in England.
- Montgomery County: Named for Richard Montgomery, a general in the American Revolutionary War.
- Prince George's County: Named for Prince George of Denmark, the consort of Queen Anne of Great Britain.
- Queen Anne's County: Named for Queen Anne of Great Britain.
- St. Mary's County: Named for the Virgin Mary, the county is home to Maryland's first colonial settlement.
- Somerset County: Named for Mary Somerset, the wife of Sir John Somerset, a member of Lord Baltimore’s family.
- Talbot County: Named for Lady Grace Talbot, the sister of Lord Baltimore.
- Washington County: Named after George Washington, the first President of the United States.
- Wicomico County: Named after the Wicomico River, a Native American name meaning "a place where houses are built."
- Worcester County: Named after the Earl of Worcester, a title of British nobility.

Maryland State County Sizes Map
Smallest County in Maryland State
Howard County: 251 sq miles
Largest County in Maryland State
Frederick County: 665 sq miles
Mean and Median Area of Counties in Maryland State
Mean Area: 361 sq miles
Median Area: 362 sq miles

Major Cities of Maryland State and Their Locations
In Maryland, major cities are located near the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, and key historical trade routes. These cities have developed due to their proximity to waterways and industrial growth.
1. Baltimore
Baltimore: Maryland's largest city and economic hub, Baltimore is a major port city located along the Patapsco River, part of the Chesapeake Bay. Its Inner Harbor area has transformed from an industrial center into a cultural destination.
2. Annapolis
Annapolis: The state capital of Maryland, located along the Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis is known for its historical maritime culture and is home to the U.S. Naval Academy.
3. Rockville
Rockville: Located in central Maryland, Rockville is part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and has grown rapidly as a residential and commercial center.
4. Frederick
Frederick: Nestled in the northern part of the state, Frederick serves as an important historical and commercial crossroads and is known for its colonial-era architecture and Civil War history.
5. Hagerstown
Hagerstown: A city located in western Maryland, Hagerstown is known for its transportation hubs and the surrounding Cumberland Valley.

Topographic Tour of Maryland
Maryland's geography features a diverse range of landforms, from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Coastal Plains in the east. This small state is often referred to as "America in Miniature" due to its variety of terrains.
1. Coastal Plains
The eastern part of Maryland is dominated by the flat Coastal Plains, which include tidal wetlands, sandy beaches, and large estuaries like the Chesapeake Bay. This region is rich in agriculture and fishing due to its fertile soils and proximity to water.
2. Piedmont Plateau
The Piedmont Plateau forms the central portion of Maryland, where rolling hills transition between the low Coastal Plain and the high Appalachian regions. This area is characterized by fertile farmland, small rivers, and the state’s major urban centers.
3. Appalachian Mountains
Western Maryland is home to the Appalachian Mountains, where the rugged terrain includes the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains. This area is known for its forests, streams, and scenic views, as well as recreational activities such as hiking and skiing.

Physiographic Regions of Maryland
APPALACHIAN PLATEAUS, ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN
This region includes the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Plateau and the Allegheny Mountains in western Maryland. The area features dense forests, steep valleys, and is part of the larger Appalachian Range.
BLUE RIDGE, NORTHERN
The Blue Ridge Mountain region stretches across northern Maryland and includes sharp ridges and rolling valleys. It is known for its scenic vistas and recreational opportunities, particularly in areas like Catoctin Mountain Park.
COASTAL PLAIN, EMBAYED
The Coastal Plain is a low-lying region along the eastern shore of Maryland. It is dominated by wetlands, tidal estuaries, and bays, including the Chesapeake Bay, which defines much of the state's geography.
PIEDMONT, PIEDMONT LOWLANDS
This region is a transitional zone between the Coastal Plains and the Appalachian Mountains, featuring rolling hills and fertile farmland. It is home to many of Maryland’s largest cities, including Baltimore and Frederick.
PIEDMONT, PIEDMONT UPLAND
The Piedmont Upland, located farther west than the lowlands, is characterized by more rugged terrain and higher elevations. It includes wooded areas, rolling hills, and several important watersheds.
VALLEY AND RIDGE, MIDDLE
This physiographic region is located in western Maryland and includes valleys and ridges running parallel to the Appalachian Mountains. The area is known for its scenic landscapes and agricultural significance.

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in Maryland
1. Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore spans both Maryland and Virginia. It is known for its pristine beaches, salt marshes, and wild horses that roam the island. The seashore offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
2. Antietam National Battlefield
Antietam National Battlefield is a historic Civil War site near Sharpsburg, Maryland. It commemorates the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. Visitors can tour the battlefield and learn about the pivotal role it played in U.S. history.
3. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
The C&O Canal runs along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. This national historical park preserves the canal's towpath and locks, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and historical tours.
4. Greenbelt Park
Located near Washington, D.C., Greenbelt Park offers a peaceful retreat for camping, hiking, and picnicking. It is a forested park with many recreational amenities close to urban areas.
5. Patuxent Research Refuge
Patuxent Research Refuge is the only national wildlife refuge established for wildlife research. It covers more than 12,000 acres and supports a wide range of habitats and species, making it a critical area for conservation and research.

Ecoregions of Maryland
Allegheny Mountains Section
The Allegheny Mountains section encompasses the western portion of Maryland, characterized by rugged terrain, dense forests, and high elevations. The region is part of the Appalachian Mountain Range and is vital for wildlife habitat and conservation.
Blue Ridge Mountains Section
The Blue Ridge section includes part of the Appalachian Range and features forested ridges and scenic valleys. It is a popular area for outdoor recreation and is home to diverse wildlife.
Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Section
The Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain runs along Maryland's eastern shore, characterized by flat terrain, wetlands, and rich estuaries. The Chesapeake Bay is the defining feature of this ecoregion.
Northern Appalachian Piedmont Section
This ecoregion encompasses rolling hills, farmland, and forested areas in central Maryland. The region is known for its fertile soils and proximity to the major cities of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Northern Ridge & Valley Section
The Northern Ridge and Valley section is located in western Maryland. This ecoregion features parallel ridges and valleys, with a mix of forests and agricultural areas. It is also a critical area for water resources.
Southern Appalachian Piedmont Section
This region includes the southern part of Maryland's Piedmont area, characterized by rolling hills and valleys, forests, and agricultural landscapes. It is an important region for both farming and conservation efforts.
Upper Atlantic Coastal Plain Section
This ecoregion is part of the larger Atlantic Coastal Plain and features flat terrain, wetlands, and estuaries. The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries dominate the landscape, providing critical habitats for aquatic and terrestrial species.