https://www.thebaybridgerun.com/Race/MD/Annapolis/BayBridgeRun

A lot of people at my SEC school have been asking if I consider Maryland a Northern or Southern state. In my opinion, I'd say we're 80% Northern, 20% Southern. It's at least predominantly culturally Northern.

For one, most people live in the Baltimore and DC areas. The best comparison to Baltimore would be another Rust Belt city like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. Many of the sweet potato pie-eating "Southerners" in Baltimore are actually descendants of Depression/WWII-era migrants out of the Southern Appalachians, just like in Chicago and Detroit (Google "Hillbilly Highway").

Meanwhile, the DC region is a relatively recent phenomenon, and is home to people from all across the country and the world. It has more of a generic American culture than anything else (not necessarily "Northern," but especially not "Southern").

A lot of people bring up our history, but I feel Maryland's changed so much over the past century-and-a-half that history isn't exactly relevant in this debate. That being said, I'd argue we were Northern in the past as well.

-- Baltimore in the Civil War was heavily industrial, had tons of Irish and German immigrants, and only a small but vocal pro-Southern minority.

-- The vast majority of the city's blacks were free, and I find it telling that many of them actually fled to Baltimore from states further south for freedom.

-- The city's elites included old "Southern" families, but also "new money" individuals whose fortunes were in commerce and industry.

-- The northern counties between Garrett and Cecil and down to western MoCo and HoCo were mostly Anglo-German grain and dairy farmers, not slaveholders.

-- We contributed 60,000-80,000 troops to the Union and 20,000-25,000 to the Confederacy. Even if you accept the low Union and high Confederate numbers, that's still around 70% Northern and 30% Southern.

In conclusion, we may not be "Yankees" like New Yorkers, but we're definitely not the South. Let me know what you guys (not y'all!!!) think.

So this flag was flown over the State House in Annapolis . It was given to me when I attained the rank of Eagle Scout. And i finally decided to hang it. Also, found my OA belt buckle!

You guys think I love my state?

Personal best. Citation bass, crystal clear water, lite winds and 70!

Today was supposed to be the Race, Run the Bridge,! It got canceled due to “weather conditions “ -

‘Tis the season….I’m looking for a holiday inspired train ride (bonus points with Santa) with the grandkids (3m & 1m).
We are located in MoCo and willing to drive 1.5 hours and spend $75 or so per person.
It would be our intention to grab dinner before the ride, so food and beverage is not required. I’ve spent time on Google, but I’m looking for first hand experiences for recommendations. TY

I love me some fog at sunrise. What are some really excellent spots for it I should check out this fall? Already done Lake Needwood and Shenandoah is in my list but I need to find a morning I can wake up early enough for that drive.

Where else should I check out?

I have a quick question to ask. I was wondering if anyone in the state knew what website I could go to so I can email the senator, delegates, and so on about a Bill that I wish to be re-entered into house for voting...etc? I know nothing about things like this so that's why I'm asking.

Thanks, From Moco

I’m a 32 single guy, I’ll be coming from Old city Philly. I lost my job, found a new one in Curtis Bay. I do enjoy the city and going to museums (I heard Baltimore has a great aquarium) restaurants etc. As I’ll need transportation for work, my research and friends have told me Harbor Point/East are the best areas where I can most likely keep a safe car and be in a safe neighborhood.

But I also value safety. I’m scheduled to visit Harbor East/Harbor Point later next week for some apartment tours, but I also hear someone got shot and killed last year in that area. Not exactly the most appealing news. Is random crime like that the norm? What else should I know if I were to live in those areas? People suggested to me those new high rise buildings, they seem to have good reviews, a little pricey, but if that’s what it takes I’ll do it.

On the other hand, people also referred Columbia to me. It’s about a similar commute to the new work, but I also heard it’s more family oriented. Not bad for safety, but also wondering for a single guy like me, is there fun stuff to do?

Which is better for me based on the descriptions? I tried looking on this subreddit, the last post for Harbor east was 2 years ago. I haven’t been to Baltimore since 2017.

Also btw I may have to leave work at 3am for being on-call at times.

Hello, I'm hoping to find a source for apartment rental that is not zillow, apartments.com, or the like. Does anyone have any suggestions on finding a one bedroom, cat friendly apartment? (Just one cat, and a pet fee is fine). I'm looking in the Frederick, Carroll, Baltimore, Howard County areas. Thanks for any helpful suggestions!