Maryland, a state rich in history and diverse landscapes, has produced a remarkable number of influential figures across various fields. From abolitionists who changed the course of American history to athletes who dominated their sports, the “Old Line State” has a legacy of producing impactful and memorable individuals. Here are ten of the most famous people to have called Maryland home.
1. Frederick Douglass
Born into slavery in February 1818 on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Frederick Douglass was one of the most prominent abolitionists of the 19th century. His early life was marked by hardship, but he secretly learned to read and write while working in Baltimore. This forbidden knowledge became the foundation for his future as a powerful orator and writer. After escaping from slavery in 1838, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement.
Douglass’s autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, is a seminal work of American literature, providing a firsthand account of the brutal realities of slavery. His powerful speeches and writings not only helped galvanize the anti-slavery movement but also laid the groundwork for the civil rights movement that followed. His unwavering commitment to equality and justice made him a towering figure whose impact continues to resonate today.
2. Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman, born into slavery around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, is a legendary figure of American history. Known as “Moses of her People,” she escaped from slavery in 1849 and dedicated her life to helping others find freedom. She became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a secret network of safe houses and routes for escaping slaves, and is credited with making at least 13 trips to the South and guiding over 70 enslaved people to freedom.
Her work didn’t stop there. During the Civil War, she served as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army, becoming the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war. Tubman’s courage, resourcefulness, and unwavering dedication to her cause made her a symbol of defiance against oppression. Her legacy as a freedom fighter and humanitarian is an enduring testament to the power of one individual to create monumental change.
3. Babe Ruth
George Herman “Babe” Ruth was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on February 6, 1895. His childhood was tumultuous, and he was sent to St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys, where he was introduced to baseball. It was here that his extraordinary talent was discovered, leading him to a career that would forever change the sport. He began his professional career as a pitcher before becoming the legendary slugger known for his powerful home runs.
Babe Ruth’s impact on baseball is unparalleled. He was a dominant force for the Boston Red Sox and, most famously, the New York Yankees. His record-breaking home runs and larger-than-life personality captivated the nation and helped popularize baseball as America’s pastime. He held numerous records, including 714 career home runs, and his fame transcended the sport, making him one of the most celebrated and iconic athletes of all time.
4. Thurgood Marshall
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 2, 1908, Thurgood Marshall would go on to become a titan of the American legal system. A graduate of Frederick Douglass High School and Lincoln University, he was denied admission to the University of Maryland School of Law due to his race. This injustice fueled his passion for civil rights and led him to attend Howard University School of Law, where he graduated first in his class.
Marshall’s career was dedicated to fighting for racial equality through legal means. As the chief counsel for the NAACP, he argued and won the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education, which declared state-sponsored segregation in public schools unconstitutional. In 1967, he made history when he was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson as the first African-American Justice of the United States Supreme Court, where he continued his fight for civil rights and social justice.
5. Michael Phelps
The most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 30, 1985. Growing up in the Rodgers Forge neighborhood near Towson, he began swimming at a young age, partly to manage his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). His natural talent and relentless work ethic quickly became apparent, and he began training with coach Bob Bowman at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club.
Phelps’s career is defined by his incredible success in the pool. Over the course of five Olympic Games, he won a total of 28 medals, 23 of which were gold. His performances at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won eight gold medals, are particularly legendary. Beyond his medal count, Phelps’s impact lies in his role as a global ambassador for swimming, inspiring a new generation of athletes and bringing the sport to the forefront of the public consciousness.
6. Jada Pinkett Smith
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Jada Pinkett Smith was born on September 18, 1971. She attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, where she befriended future rapper Tupac Shakur. Her upbringing in a family of artists and her early exposure to the arts set the stage for her multifaceted career. After graduating, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
Jada Pinkett Smith has built a successful career as an actress, producer, and talk show host. She gained recognition for her roles in films like The Nutty Professor and The Matrix Reloaded. In recent years, she has found new fame as the host of the Facebook Watch talk show Red Table Talk, which she co-hosts with her daughter Willow Smith and her mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris. The show has been praised for its candid discussions on difficult topics, solidifying her as an influential media personality.
7. H.L. Mencken
Henry Louis Mencken, born in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 12, 1880, was a brilliant and controversial journalist, essayist, and critic. He spent the majority of his life in Baltimore, and his writing often focused on American culture, politics, and the social mores of his time. He was known for his sharp wit and cynical perspective, earning him the nickname “The Sage of Baltimore.”
Mencken’s career was primarily with the Baltimore Sun, where he served as a columnist and editor. His writing was both highly respected and highly criticized for its satirical and often provocative nature. He was a vocal opponent of organized religion, prohibition, and what he saw as the hypocrisy of the American middle class. His most notable work, The American Language, is a comprehensive study of the English language as spoken in the United States, and it remains a significant contribution to linguistics.
8. Edward Norton
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 18, 1969, Edward Norton was raised in Columbia, Maryland. His grandfather, James Rouse, was a renowned real estate developer who founded the planned community of Columbia, and Norton grew up immersed in the cultural and intellectual environment of the area. He attended Wilde Lake High School and later Yale University, where he studied history.
Norton has become one of the most respected actors of his generation, known for his intense performances and versatile roles. His breakout role in Primal Fear earned him an Academy Award nomination, and he has gone on to star in acclaimed films such as American History X, Fight Club, and Birdman. Beyond acting, he is also a successful writer, director, and environmental activist, using his platform to advocate for various social and environmental causes.
9. Toni Braxton
Singer-songwriter and R&B icon Toni Braxton was born in Severn, Maryland, on October 7, 1967. The oldest of six children, she was raised in a strict religious household where music was limited to gospel. However, her extraordinary vocal talent was undeniable. She and her sisters formed a group, The Braxtons, before Toni was discovered as a solo artist.
Toni Braxton rose to fame in the early 1990s with her self-titled debut album, which featured the smash hits “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.” Her deep, sultry voice and emotional delivery set her apart from her contemporaries. She is a six-time Grammy Award winner and is best known for her hit single “Un-Break My Heart.” Braxton’s influence on R&B music is significant, and she remains a celebrated figure in the industry.
10. Jim Henson
Though born in Greenville, Mississippi, on September 24, 1936, Jim Henson spent much of his formative years in Maryland. His family moved to University Park, Maryland, when he was in high school, and he later attended the University of Maryland, College Park. It was during his time in college that he began creating the puppets that would become his life’s work.
Jim Henson is a creative genius who revolutionized children’s television and puppetry. He created the beloved Muppets, a cast of characters that includes Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Fozzie Bear. His television shows, most notably The Muppet Show and Sesame Street, taught generations of children about life, friendship, and learning in a fun and engaging way. Henson’s legacy is a testament to the power of imagination and a reminder that even puppets can have a profound impact on the world.
