Maryland is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Delaware to the east, Virginia to the south, and West Virginia and Washington, D.C. to the west. The state has a total area of 12,406 square miles (32,133 km²) and a population of 6,046,106 as of the 2020 census. The state capital is Annapolis.

The history of Maryland dates back to the beginning of European exploration, starting with the Venetian John Cabot, who explored the coast of North America for the Kingdom of England in 1498. After European settlements had been made to the south and north, the colonial Province of Maryland was granted by King Charles I to Sir George Calvert (1579–1632), his former Secretary of State in 1632, for settlement beginning in March 1634. It was notable for having been established with religious freedom for Roman Catholics, since Calvert had publicly converted to that faith.

The first settlers arrived in Maryland in 1634, led by Lord Baltimore’s son, Cecil Calvert, 2nd Lord Baltimore. The colony was named after Henrietta Maria of France, the wife of King Charles I. The early settlers faced many challenges, including disease, hunger, and conflict with the local Native American tribes. However, the colony survived and grew, and by the end of the 17th century, it had a population of over 20,000 people.

Maryland played an important role in the American Revolution. The colony was home to many of the Founding Fathers, including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington. Maryland was also the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Baltimore in 1814.

After the American Revolution, Maryland became a state in the United States of America. The state played an important role in the development of the new nation, and it was home to many important figures in American history, including Francis Scott Key, the author of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Maryland has continued to grow and prosper in the 19th and 20th centuries. The state is home to a number of major industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Maryland is also a major center for government and education. The state is home to the United States Naval Academy and the Johns Hopkins University.

Maryland is a diverse and vibrant state with a rich history. The state is home to people from all walks of life, and it is a place where people can come to live, work, and raise a family. Maryland is a great place to call home.

(Written by Google Bard)