Maryland, often celebrated for its vibrant history and pivotal role in the formation of the United States, holds a unique place among the original thirteen colonies. Its founding was marked by principles of religious tolerance and careful planning, setting it apart from some of the more tumultuous early colonial ventures. When exploring the state's deep historical roots, the question of its first permanent European settlement leads us directly to a site that encapsulates these foundational ideals: St. Mary's City.
The Vision for a New Colony
The story of Maryland begins with George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, a prominent English Catholic who sought a haven for his fellow Catholics, who faced persecution in Protestant England. He envisioned a proprietary colony, where he and his heirs would govern with significant autonomy. After his death, his son, Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, brought this vision to fruition.
In November 1633, approximately 140 English colonists, led by Cecilius's younger brother Leonard Calvert, embarked on two ships, the Ark and the Dove, bound for the Chesapeake Bay. Their instructions were clear: select a defensible site, treat the Native Americans with respect, and establish a thriving settlement.
St. Mary's City: The Cradle of Maryland
In March 1634, the colonists arrived at a promising site on a tributary of the Potomac River, which they named St. George's River (now St. Mary's River). Here, they found an abandoned Native American village of the Yaocomico people, who were willing to trade land for tools and goods. This peaceful exchange allowed the English to establish their settlement without immediate conflict. They named their new home St. Mary's City.
- Founding Date: March 27, 1634
- Significance: St. Mary's City holds the distinction of being the first permanent European settlement in Maryland. It served as the capital of the Maryland colony for 61 years, from 1634 to 1694.
A Legacy of Tolerance and Innovation
St. Mary's City quickly became a testament to Lord Baltimore's vision of religious tolerance. Unlike many other early colonies, Maryland explicitly offered freedom of worship for all Christians, culminating in the passage of the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649. This groundbreaking legislation was a significant step toward religious freedom in America and made St. Mary's City a unique haven in a world marked by religious division.
The colonists built a thriving community, establishing farms, homes, and a working port. Tobacco became the primary cash crop, driving the colony's economic growth. Despite challenges from Native American relations, skirmishes with neighboring Virginia (especially Claiborne's Rebellion), and internal political strife, St. Mary's City endured and grew.
From Capital to Historic Site
In 1694, the colonial capital was relocated to Annapolis, partly due to the Protestant Revolution in Maryland and the desire for a more centrally located seat of government. St. Mary's City eventually faded from prominence, its buildings returning to farmland. However, this period of quiet preservation inadvertently saved much of its archaeological integrity.
Today, Historic St. Mary's City is a living history museum and active archaeological site. Visitors can explore reconstructed colonial buildings, interact with historical interpreters, and witness ongoing archaeological digs that continue to uncover the secrets of Maryland's earliest days. It stands as a powerful reminder of the bold vision and resilient spirit that founded the fourth English colony in North America.
The answer to what is the first permanent settlement in Maryland is unequivocally St. Mary's City. More than just a location, it represents the foundational principles of religious freedom and meticulous planning that shaped Maryland's distinct identity. Its legacy continues to resonate, offering a vital link to the earliest chapters of American history.
