MCPS - Global Access

Reasons to Visit Maryland
Answer Sheet

Reasons to Visit Maryland



See Three Different Regions

  1. Coastal Plain
    • Lies along the Atlantic Ocean
    • Series of low sandy barrier islands and tital wetlands near the Chesapeake Bay
    • Sea level to near 200 feet elevation and bordered by fall line on the west


  2. Piedmont Plateau
    • West of the fall line
    • Elevations rise to 400 feet
    • Rolling hills suitable for agriculture


  3. Appalachian Mountains
    • Series of ridges and valleys
    • Elevations up to about 3,300 feet
    • Forests
    • Land also used for agriculture





Natural Resources

Trees
Oysters
Clams
Wild Geese and Ducks
Deer and other Wildlife
Coal
Limestone
Sand
Gravel
Water

Economic Activities

Agrrvulture
Fishing
Mining
Manufacturing
Service Industries
Government

Major Cities

Annapolis, Capital Cities
Baltimore
Frederick
Hagerstown
Cumberland
Rockville

Natural and Human Landmarks

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Potomac River
Chesapeake Bay
Deep Creek Lake
Camp David
Fort McHenry
Antietam National Battlefield
St. Mary's City
Assateaque Island National Seashore

Climate

  • Varies from eastern to the western part of the state because of altitude
  • Coastal Plain has hot summers and mild winters
  • Piedmont Plateau has a growing season of 160 to 200 days and moderate snowfall
  • Appalachian Mountains have severe winters and temperatures below freezing






    Reasons the Early Settlers
    Came to Maryland

    Religious freedom
    Safe harbor
    Access to waterways: Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and many rivers
    Grow cash crop - Tobacco
    Land good for farming

Return to the Sarah Plain and Tall lesson.


Last updated on April 4, 1997
Maintained by John L. Day
<jday@umd5.umd.edu>