The Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean characterize Maryland, a Mid-Atlantic state known for its abundance of waterways and coasts the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Baltimore, the state's central city, has a long history as a significant seaport, as does the rest of the state. Located near Baltimore's Inner Harbor entrance, Fort McHenry is the birthplace of the United States national anthem and the site of the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center.