The Origins of Maryland Day

Maryland Day: A Historical Overview

Maryland Day, celebrated annually on March 25, commemorates the arrival of the first European settlers to what is now Maryland in 1634. This day marks the landing of English colonists at St. Clement’s Island and the founding of the colony under the leadership of Leonard Calvert, the younger brother of Cecilius Calvert, the 2nd Lord Baltimore.

Origins of Maryland Day

The Voyage of the Ark and the Dove (1633–1634)

  • Maryland was granted as a proprietary colony to Cecilius Calvert, Lord Baltimore, by King Charles I of England in 1632.
  • The colony was intended to be a haven for English Catholics, who faced persecution in England, while also welcoming Protestants.
  • In November 1633, settlers embarked from England aboard two ships, the Ark and the Dove, under the command of Leonard Calvert, the first colonial governor of Maryland.

The Landing at St. Clement’s Island (March 25, 1634)

  • After a four-month journey, the ships arrived in the Chesapeake Bay and made landfall at St. Clement’s Island, a small island in the Potomac River, on March 25, 1634.
  • The settlers held a Catholic Mass, led by Father Andrew White, to give thanks for their safe arrival.
  • Shortly after, they moved to the mainland, where they established St. Mary’s City, Maryland’s first capital.

Maryland Day Becomes an Official Holiday

The Establishment of Maryland Day (1903–1916)

  • Maryland Day was first observed in 1903 in St. Mary’s County to commemorate the colony’s founding.
  • In 1916, the Maryland General Assembly officially designated March 25 as Maryland Day, making it a legal state holiday.

How Maryland Day is Celebrated

  • Schools, museums, and historical organizations host events and educational programs on Maryland’s colonial history.
  • Reenactments, parades, and ceremonies are held at historic sites, especially in St. Mary’s City and St. Clement’s Island.
  • The day highlights Maryland’s role in religious freedom, as the colony passed the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649, one of the first laws protecting religious liberty.

Significance of Maryland Day

  • Marks the establishment of one of the original 13 American colonies.
  • Celebrates Maryland’s legacy of religious tolerance and early colonial governance.
  • Honors the state’s history and cultural heritage, including its Native American, European, and African influences.

Maryland Day remains an important reflection on the state’s origins, traditions, and contributions to American history.

Thank you for visiting our website! We appreciate your time and support. Before you go, check out our exclusive MD Flag Tumbler—a perfect way to show off your Maryland pride while keeping your drinks at the perfect temperature.

Click HERE to grab yours today!

Back to blog