MARYLAND - A state steeped in colonial history and defined by its Chesapeake Bay heritage, traces its origins back to a single, pivotal location: St. Mary's County. Established in 1637, St. Mary's County holds the distinction of being Maryland's oldest county, a place where the seeds of the colony were first sown and where the story of Maryland began.
St. Mary's County: Unearthing the Roots of Maryland - The State's Oldest County
This article explores the founding and evolution of St. Mary's County, highlighting its historical significance and the landmarks that preserve its rich past.
The Cradle of Maryland: St. Mary's City and the 1637 Founding
St. Mary's County's story is intertwined with the founding of Maryland itself.
- Early Settlement (1634): In 1634, English colonists, led by Leonard Calvert, arrived on the ships Ark and Dove and established St. Mary's City, the first permanent European settlement in Maryland (Source: Maryland State Archives, Historic St. Mary's City). This settlement, built on land purchased from the Yaocomaco people, became the heart of the new colony. The area was originally going to be called, Augusta Carolina.
- County Organization (1637): Just three years later, in 1637, the surrounding area was formally organized as St. Mary's County, making it the oldest county in Maryland (Source: Maryland State Archives, colonial records). This act established the framework for local governance and marked a crucial step in the development of the colony.
A Colonial Capital and a Legacy of Tolerance
St. Mary's City, within St. Mary's County, served as the capital of the Maryland colony for over six decades.
- Capital City (1634-1695): St. Mary's City was the center of political, social, and economic life in colonial Maryland until 1695, when the capital was moved to Annapolis (Source: Maryland State Archives, historical accounts of colonial Maryland).
- Maryland Toleration Act: It was in St. Mary's City that the Maryland colonial assembly passed the Act Concerning Religion (the Maryland Toleration Act) in 1649, a landmark (though limited) step toward religious freedom.
Beyond St. Mary's City: Exploring the County's Heritage
St. Mary's County offers a wealth of historical sites and attractions:
- Historic St. Mary's City: This 800-acre living history museum and archaeological park preserves and interprets the site of Maryland's first settlement, offering a unique and immersive journey into the 17th century.
- St. Mary's County Historical Society and Old Jail Museum (Leonardtown): Explore the broader history of the county through exhibits and artifacts.
- Point Lookout State Park: This park, located at the confluence of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay, was the site of a Federal prison camp during the Civil War, offering a different, and somber, perspective on the region's history.
The Shaping of Maryland: County Divisions
St. Mary's County's original boundaries were much larger than they are today. Over time, other counties were created from its territory, including Kent County (1642), and Anne Arundel and Charles Counties (both in 1650), reflecting the growth and expansion of the Maryland colony (Source: Maryland State Archives, historical maps of Maryland).
St. Mary's County, Maryland's oldest county, is a place where history comes alive. From its founding as the cradle of the Maryland colony to its role as the first capital and its enduring legacy preserved in historic sites, St. Mary's County offers a unique and valuable perspective on the state's origins. Exploring its historic landmarks, learning about its early settlers, and appreciating its contribution to Maryland's development is a journey back in time, a chance to connect with the very foundations of the Old Line State.
Sources:
- Maryland State Archives
- Historic St. Mary's City website
- St. Mary's County Historical Society
- Old Jail Museum (Leonardtown)
- Point Lookout State Park website
- Historical accounts of colonial Maryland
