MARYLAND - Maryland, known as the "Free State," is characterized by its unique and complex geography, which stretches from the Atlantic coastline, across the Chesapeake Bay, and into the Appalachian Mountains. Due to its varied shape—including the narrow western panhandle and the expansive Eastern Shore—determining the actual geographic middle is an interesting exercise.
The official Geographic Center of Maryland is determined by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is located in the central part of the state, in Prince George's County.
The Official Location
The official geographic center of Maryland is located at:
This location places the center near the town of Davidsonville, approximately 4.5 miles northwest of the city.
Significance of the Location
The calculation for the geographic center identifies the point at the center of the area covered by the state's boundaries.
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Near the Capital Region: The center lies within the immediate orbit of the state capital, Annapolis, and the larger Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, reflecting the political and population concentration in Maryland's central corridor.
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The Bay Effect: If the calculation were based purely on mainland area, the center would shift eastward. However, because Maryland includes a substantial portion of the Chesapeake Bay in its official area, the geographic center is pushed slightly eastward from the state's narrow middle, placing it in the suburban sprawl east of the Washington D.C. beltway.
Is There a Marker?
Similar to Delaware, the geographic center of Maryland is not marked by a publicly accessible monument or plaque. The specific coordinates generally indicate a private land area or a less-trafficked location within Prince George's County.
The coordinates serve as a technical point that highlights the state's unique shape, dominated by the Chesapeake Bay and the resulting split between the Eastern and Western Shores.
