MARYLAND STATE - Maryland's rich history stretches back to the earliest days of European colonization in North America. Before Annapolis, before Baltimore, there was St. Mary's City, the first European settlement in Maryland and a pivotal site in the state's colonial past. Founded in 1634, St. Mary's City served as Maryland's first capital for over six decades, witnessing the struggles and triumphs of the fledgling colony.
St. Mary's City: Exploring the Cradle of Maryland - The State's First Settlement
Today, Historic St. Mary's City, a living history museum and archaeological site, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the very foundations of Maryland.
A Haven for Religious Freedom: The Founding of Maryland
St. Mary's City's story begins with a vision of religious tolerance. The colony of Maryland was founded by Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, as a haven for English Catholics who faced persecution in their homeland. This is documented extensively by the Maryland State Archives and historical records. In 1634, the first group of colonists, led by Leonard Calvert, Cecilius's brother, arrived aboard the ships Ark and Dove and established St. Mary's City on land purchased from the Yaocomaco people, a branch of the Piscataway tribe, as detailed by Historic St. Mary's City's research and publications. This was the fourth permanent British settlement in North America.
Maryland's First Capital: A Center of Colonial Life
St. Mary's City served as the capital of the Maryland colony from 1634 until 1695. During this time, it was the center of political, social, and economic life in the colony. The first legislative assembly in Maryland met there, and important decisions regarding the colony's governance and laws were made within its boundaries, as recorded in colonial records preserved by the Maryland State Archives. The original State House was reconstructed in 1934 for the state's 300th anniversary.
A Legacy of Religious Tolerance: The Maryland Toleration Act
St. Mary's City is significant not only for its age but also for its role in the development of religious freedom in America. In 1649, the Maryland colonial assembly, meeting in St. Mary's City, passed the Act Concerning Religion, often referred to as the Maryland Toleration Act. This landmark legislation, though limited in scope, was one of the first laws in the colonies to grant a degree of religious freedom, as highlighted by historians and scholars of early American history.
Rediscovering the Past: Archaeology and Living History
After the capital moved to Annapolis in 1695, St. Mary's City gradually faded into obscurity. However, in the 20th century, efforts began to rediscover and preserve this important historical site. Today, Historic St. Mary's City is a living history museum and active archaeological site, where visitors can explore reconstructed buildings, interact with costumed interpreters, and learn about life in 17th-century Maryland, as described on the museum's website and in its publications. The Historic St. Mary's City Commission, established by the state of Maryland, oversees the preservation, development, and maintenance of the site, ensuring its historical integrity.
A Journey Through Time: Visiting Historic St. Mary's City
A visit to Historic St. Mary's City is a journey back in time. Visitors can explore the reconstructed State House, the original printing press, a Woodland Indian Hamlet, a tobacco plantation, and a replica of the Dove, one of the ships that brought the first settlers. The museum offers a variety of educational programs, events, and exhibits throughout the year, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages, as detailed on their events calendar.
Historic St. Mary's City stands as a testament to the beginnings of Maryland and a pivotal chapter in the story of early America. As the state's first settlement and colonial capital, it played a crucial role in shaping Maryland's identity and its commitment to religious tolerance. Thanks to the ongoing efforts of archaeologists, historians, and the Historic St. Mary's City Commission, this invaluable site continues to educate and inspire, offering a tangible connection to the past and a deeper understanding of the foundations upon which Maryland was built.
Sources:
- Maryland State Archives
- Historic St. Mary's City Official Website
- Historic St. Mary's City Commission
- The National Endowment for the Humanities