18 / Maryland at a Glance Maryland Manual 1996-1997

STATE SONG. The nine-stanza poem, "Mary-
land, My Maryland," was written by James Ryder
Randall in 1861. A native of Maryland, Randall was
teaching in Louisiana in the early days of the Civil
War, and he was outraged at the news of Union
troops being marched through Baltimore. The
poem articulated Randall's Confederate sympa-
thies. Set to the traditional tune of "Lauriger Hora-
tius" ("O, Tannenbaum"), the song achieved wide
popularity in Maryland and throughout the South.
"Maryland, My Maryland" was adopted as the
State song in 1939 (Chapter 451, Acts of 1939;
Code State Government Article, sec. 13-307).

STATE SPORT. The equestrian sport of jousting
is the official sport of Maryland (Chapter 134, Acts
of 1962; Code State Government Article, sec. 13-
308). Marked by chivalry and fanfare, jousting
remains popular in parts of Maryland today.

STATE TREE. In 1941, Maryland designated the
White Oak (Quercus alba) as the State Tree (Chap-
ter 731, Acts of 1941; Code State Government
Article, sec. 13-310). Handsome and sturdy, the
white oak is named for its whitish bark and grey
twigs. The species is found commonly throughout
the state. Decidedly uncommon is the magnificant
specimen represented here, known as the Wye Oak,
located at Wye Mills on the Eastern Shore. Esti-
mated to be nearly 500 years old, the Wye Oak is
the largest white oak tree on record, both in Mary-
land and the nation. It is one of only two trees
surviving as a National Champion since inception
of the National Big Tree Register 50 years ago.
Among its impressive characteristics are massive
buttresses or "knees" at the base which help sup-
port this huge tree. The Wye Oak measures 31 feet,
2 inches, in circumference, stands 79 feet tall, and
has a crown spread of 102 feet.

STATE THEATERS. In 1978, Center Stage in
Baltimore was named the State Theater of Mary-
land (Chapter 1003, Acts of 1978). By the same act
Olney Theatre in Montgomery County became the
State Summer Theater of Maryland (Code State
Government Article, sec. 13-309).