MARYLAND STATE - Maryland, a state steeped in early American history, holds a treasure trove of historical sites. Among these, one stands out as the very foundation of the state: Historic St. Mary's City. Founded in 1634, this meticulously preserved site was not only Maryland's first settlement but also served as its colonial capital for 61 years. Today, it's a living history museum and an active archaeological site, offering a unique and immersive journey into the 17th century, when Maryland was just beginning to take shape.
St. Mary's City: The State's First Capital and Oldest Settlement
This article explores the profound historical significance of St. Mary's City, its transformation into a remarkable outdoor museum, and its ongoing efforts to uncover and share the stories of Maryland's earliest days.
A Bold Beginning: The Founding of Maryland and St. Mary's City
St. Mary's City's story is inextricably linked to the founding of the Maryland colony. Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, received a charter from King Charles I to establish a colony in the Chesapeake Bay region, primarily as a haven for English Catholics, as detailed in the Maryland Charter and historical records preserved by the Maryland State Archives. In 1634, a group of colonists, led by Leonard Calvert, Cecilius's brother, arrived aboard the ships Ark and Dove, establishing St. Mary's City as the fourth permanent English settlement in British North America, as documented by Historic St. Mary's City and the Maryland Historical Society. This was a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of Maryland's rich and complex history.
Sixty-One Years as Capital: Governance and Life in Colonial St. Mary's City
For over six decades, St. Mary's City served as the bustling capital of the Maryland colony. It was here that the first legislative assembly met, laws were passed, and the foundations of Maryland's government were laid, as recorded in colonial records and legislative proceedings. The city also witnessed the passage of the Maryland Toleration Act in 1649, a landmark piece of legislation that offered a degree of religious freedom, a significant step for its time, as highlighted by historians specializing in early American religious history. Life in 17th century was challenging, but very rewarding to those who made the trip to the new land.
From Capital to Archaeological Site: Preserving a Lost City
In 1695, the capital of Maryland was moved to Annapolis, and St. Mary's City gradually declined, eventually becoming farmland. However, the site's historical significance was never forgotten, and in the 20th century, efforts began to rediscover and preserve this "lost city" through archaeological excavation and historical research, a process documented extensively by Historic St. Mary's City.
Historic St. Mary's City Today: An Outdoor Museum and Living History Experience
Today, Historic St. Mary's City is a remarkable outdoor museum and archaeological park, managed by the Historic St. Mary's City Commission. The Commission is a state agency responsible for the preservation, development, and maintenance of the site, ensuring that its historical integrity is maintained and that its stories are shared with the public, as outlined in its mission statement and strategic plans. Visitors can explore reconstructed buildings, including the State House of 1676, a tobacco plantation, a Woodland Indian hamlet, and a replica of the Dove, one of the original ships that brought settlers to Maryland. Costumed interpreters bring the 17th century to life, demonstrating daily tasks, crafts, and social customs, providing an immersive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. There are also many hands on activities to take part in.
Ongoing Research and Discovery
The work at Historic St. Mary's City is far from over. Archaeological excavations continue to uncover new artifacts and insights into the lives of the early colonists and the Native American populations who inhabited the area before them, as detailed in the Commission's research publications and archaeological reports. This ongoing research ensures that our understanding of St. Mary's City, and its place in American history, continues to evolve.
Historic St. Mary's City is more than just a museum; it's a living testament to the beginnings of Maryland and a crucial chapter in the American story. As the site of the state's first settlement and colonial capital, it offers a unique and invaluable opportunity to connect with the past, to understand the challenges and triumphs of early colonists, and to appreciate the enduring legacy of this remarkable place. A visit to Historic St. Mary's City is a journey through time, a chance to walk in the footsteps of those who laid the foundations of Maryland.
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Sources:
- Maryland State Archives
- Historic St. Mary's City Official Website
- Historic St. Mary's City Commission
- Maryland Historical Society
- Maryland Charter
- National Endowment for Humanities
