Eighteenth century naval heroes who helped
America win her independence used maps like
this one to chart their course to the shipbuild-
ing center of Baltimore, Maryland. It was
the shipyards of Baltimore that Congress
relied on to build the young nation's first
naval vessels. Thus began Maryland' s impor-
tant role in America's defense posture at sea -
a role that led to the creation of the famed
privateers, legendary frigates like the Constella-
tion and the vital Liberty ship supply chain of
World War II.

Maryland shipbuilding eventually grew to be-
come second only to agriculture in the state's
early economic picture. Over half of America's
privateers during the War of 1812 were built in
Maryland. Baltimore shipyards also produced 384
Liberty ships to send precious cargo to beleagured
European nations during World War n - sur-
passing the production records of the other 18
American shipyards. But Maryland maritime
heritage means more than just economic strength.

The new Trident submarine, USS Maryland,
was commissioned on June 13,1992, becom-

ing the fourth U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name
"Maryland." The underwater marvel is among the
largest and most powerful vessels of its kind in the free
world. Readers will find interspersed throughout this
report more information about the new USS Maryland and
its earlier namesakes: a 1799 sloop, a 1905 armored cruiser,
and a 1921 battleship which saw action at Pearl Harbor and
Midway during World War n. Permission is also granted to
come aboard and read the story of how a unique set of
silversmith art, donated by Marylanders to the cruiser in 1905,
continues to serve as a shining example of Maryland's commit-
ment to our national maritime heritage.

1737 Maryland map: Maryland State Archives, Huntlngfield Collection,
MSA SC1399-719.

Cover photograph of the USS Maryland Trident submarine:
General Dynamics Electric Boat Division.