Historical Marker

Entrance to First State House of Maryland

Historical marker location:
47477 Trinity Church Road, St. Mary's City, Maryland
( Marker is on Trinity Church Road near Point Lookout Road (Maryland Route 5).)
Marker installed: 1932

architecture houses residential buildings
Maryland was founded as a Catholic colony: Maryland was founded by the English nobleman George Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore, in 1632. He envisioned Maryland as a haven for Catholics who faced persecution in England at the time. The colony's first settlement, St. Mary's City, was established in 1634.
Maryland random facts
St. Mary's County, located in the southernmost part of the state of Maryland, holds a significant place in American history as the site of Maryland's first permanent English settlement. The area was initially inhabited by the Yaocomico Native American tribe. In March 1634, a group of English colonists sailed up the Chesapeake Bay and established the settlement of St. Mary's City, named after the Virgin Mary.

St. Mary's City quickly grew into a bustling colonial capital and served as the seat of Maryland's government for over 60 years. It was a center for trade and commerce, with tobacco being the primary cash crop grown in the county. The colonists also established Maryland's first Catholic parish, St. Mary's Catholic Church, which still stands today as a historic landmark.

During the 17th century, St. Mary's County faced several challenges, including conflicts with Native American tribes and religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants. In 1695, the capital was moved to Annapolis, leading to a decline in St. Mary's City's importance. By the early 18th century, the county's economy shifted away from tobacco towards agriculture, lumber, and fishing.

In the 20th century, St. Mary's County experienced significant growth due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., and the establishment of naval and research institutions. During World War II, the Patuxent River Naval Air Station was established in St. Mary's County, which played a crucial role in the development and testing of naval aircraft. In recent decades, the county's economy has diversified with the growth of technology and defense industries, including the establishment of the St. Mary's County Technology and Industrial Park. Today, St. Mary's County is known for its rich historical heritage, beautiful waterfront scenery, and thriving aerospace and defense sectors.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of St. Mary's County, Maryland.

  • 1634: St. Mary's County is established as one of the original counties in the Maryland colony.
  • 1635: The first English settlement, known as St. Mary's City, is founded by colonists led by Leonard Calvert.
  • 1649: The Maryland Toleration Act is passed in St. Mary's County, guaranteeing religious freedom for all Christians.
  • 1689: St. Mary's City is abandoned as the capital of Maryland and the government moves to Annapolis.
  • 1812-1815: St. Mary's County experiences significant economic growth during the War of 1812.
  • 1837: The Great Mills Post Office is established, becoming an important local landmark.
  • 1865: Slavery is abolished in St. Mary's County following the end of the American Civil War.
  • 1942: Patuxent River Naval Air Station is established in St. Mary's County and becomes a major economic and military center.
  • 1969: St. Mary's College of Maryland is founded in St. Mary's City, becoming the state's public honors college.
  • 1980s: St. Mary's County experiences rapid population growth and development, with the establishment of new residential and commercial areas.