13 Things From Maryland That We Should Be Eternally Grateful For

Whatever you call the summer treat, it got its start in Baltimore during the Industrial Revolution, when children would ask for shavings from ice wagons, and their mothers — the true innovators — added homemade flavorings, aka marshmallow.

Henry Berger (whom the cookie is named after) started his bakery in Baltimore in 1835. And people from all over — not just Maryland — think that these hand-dipped chocolate fudge cookies are simply a treat!

Born in Dorchester County, Harriet Tubman escaped slavery only to return at least 19 times to free hundreds of other slaves through the Underground Railroad. Today, a campaign hopes to further immortalize Tubman as the first woman on the $20 bill.

Maryland plays a large part in the history of women in education. Not only does the state hold the country's oldest all-girls public high school and women's Catholic college, it also claims the first female instructors of any North American college.

Although he wasn't born in Maryland, Jim Henson spent most of his childhood in Hyattsville and eventually followed his dream to the University of Maryland, where you can still sit and chat with a statue of him and Kermit outside the student union.

Founded in 1743, the Maryland Jockey Club is likely the oldest sports organization because it precedes the Revolutionary War. Even George Washington attended, a self-admitted "consistent and persistent loser." He won when it counted, though.

If you love seafood, you've probably tasted the zesty flavor of Old Bay Seasoning. And here's a fun fact, the original name was "Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning." We're not debating that!