Historic St. Mary’s City | Annapolis

Historic St. Mary’s City, located in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, is the site of the first permanent English settlement in Maryland and served as the colonial capital from 1634 until 1695. Today, it functions as a living history museum and archaeological site dedicated to preserving and interpreting Maryland’s colonial past and early American history.

Historical Significance

Founded in 1634 by English settlers under Lord Baltimore’s direction, St. Mary’s City was Maryland’s first capital and a focal point for early colonial governance, culture, and religious tolerance. It is especially notable for:

Religious Tolerance: The Maryland Toleration Act of 1649 was one of the earliest laws in America to guarantee freedom of worship for all Christians, an important foundation for religious liberty.

Representative Government: St. Mary’s City was the location of Maryland’s first legislative assembly, representing one of the earliest forms of representative government in the American colonies.

Pioneering Women’s Role: Margaret Brent, a prominent landowner in the colony, is remembered here as the first woman in the American colonies to petition for the right to vote (1648).

Diverse Colonial Life: The settlement included English settlers, Native American tribes (notably the Yaocomaco), and African laborers, reflecting the early complexities of colonial society.

Key Attractions and Features

Reconstructed State House (1676): A faithful reproduction of the colonial statehouse where Maryland’s first legislative assembly met. This building serves as an educational centerpiece to demonstrate colonial government and civic life.

Maryland Dove: A full-scale replica of the 17th-century sailing ship that brought the first settlers to Maryland in 1634. Visitors can board the ship, explore its decks, and meet interpreters in period costume who explain maritime life and colonial voyages.

Woodland Indian Hamlet: A recreated Native American village showcasing the lifeways, crafts, and culture of the Yaocomaco people who originally inhabited the region before and during early English settlement.

Tobacco Plantation and Farm: Demonstrates 17th-century agricultural practices, including tobacco cultivation, livestock management, and traditional farming techniques. Heritage breeds of animals and heirloom crops help bring colonial agriculture to life.

St. John’s Site and Museum: Contains archaeological exhibits detailing the excavation of the original colonial settlement. Highlights include artifacts from early settlers and Native Americans, as well as stories of significant individuals like Mathias de Sousa, the first African American legislator in Maryland.

Archaeological Importance

Historic St. Mary’s City is one of the most extensively studied archaeological sites in the United States. Excavations have uncovered:

Foundations of original homes, public buildings, and churches

Colonial artifacts such as pottery, tools, weapons, and personal items

Evidence of interactions between Native Americans and English settlers

Early tobacco cultivation features and storage facilities

These findings help historians and visitors understand daily life, trade, social hierarchy, and cultural exchange in the 17th century.

Natural Setting and Visitor Experience

The site covers over 700 acres, including woodlands, wetlands, and riverfront along the St. Mary’s River. Walking trails wind through scenic landscapes, offering birdwatching and nature viewing opportunities in addition to historical exploration.

Visitors experience immersive educational programs, guided tours, reenactments, and workshops that bring colonial Maryland to life. Costumed interpreters portray settlers, Native Americans, and craftsmen, demonstrating traditional skills such as blacksmithing, weaving, and cooking.

Practical Information

Location: 18751 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary’s City, Maryland

Hours: Seasonal, typically open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (March through November)

Admission Fees: Approximately $10 for adults, discounts for seniors and youth, and free admission for children under five and active-duty military personnel during certain periods

Events: Special programs include colonial festivals, historical reenactments, educational workshops, and archaeology days

Summary

Historic St. Mary’s City offers a comprehensive, authentic experience of Maryland’s earliest colonial history. It combines archaeological preservation, reconstructed buildings, and interactive exhibits to educate visitors about religious freedom, early governance, Native American cultures, and colonial life in 17th-century America. Its vast grounds, immersive programming, and scholarly research make it a vital site for understanding Maryland’s origins and America’s colonial heritage.