Maryland is the birthplace or adopted home of numerous historical icons and modern celebrities:
- **Harriet Tubman**: Abolitionist and heroic conductor of the Underground Railroad, born in Dorchester County. - **Frederick Douglass**: Renowned abolitionist, author, and orator, born in Talbot County. - **Thurgood Marshall**: The first African American Supreme Court Justice, born in Baltimore. - **Babe Ruth**: Legendary baseball player, born in Baltimore. - **Michael Phelps**: The most decorated Olympian of all time, raised in Towson. - **Edgar Allan Poe**: Iconic writer and poet whose life and death are closely tied to Baltimore. - **Nancy Pelosi**: Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, born and raised in Baltimore. - **Johns Hopkins**: Philanthropist and entrepreneur who funded the creation of the eponymous hospital and university.