Visit Historic St Mary’s City

Did you know that Annapolis was not always the capitol of Maryland? In fact, in 1633, our state was founded right here in Southern Maryland – St. Mary’s County, to be exact! While the colonists are long gone, at least a little bit of history remains in St. Mary’s City where early in the 20th century, interest in the ancient city revived and historical research and archaeological excavations began to uncover the 17th century settlement.* Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the site of Maryland’s first capitol is known as one of the finest 17th century colonial archaeology sites in the nation – a fact they are very proud of, and often invite the public to take part in the digs!

But there’s more to St. Mary’s City than just what’s buried beneath the ground – a visit to the site will greet you with colorful costumed interpreters in recreated 17th century settings to tell the stories of Maryland’s foundation and outdoor exhibits include the recreated 1676 State House, Smith’s Ordinary (a fancy colonial word for tavern) and the Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation, a working colonial farm. There’s also the Woodland Indian Hamlet, where visitors can discover how Maryland’s native population interacted with the English colonists and the replica Maryland Dove, where costumed interpretive sailors tell stories of the tobacco trade and immigration

If digging in the dirt is more your thing, hands on activities are offered at most sites as special events offering visitors the chance to work alongside professional archaeologists, churn butter, shoot a bow and arrow etc, are scheduled on weekends from March through December

St. Mary’s City is a great family friendly daycation with entrance fees being extremely reasonable and costing no more than $10.00 for adults and special discounted fees for Seniors, Students and children 6-12. Kids 5 and under are free. July, August, September and November offer VIP discounts for Educators, First Responders, Seniors and Military members.  The site is closed Monday’s and Tuesday’s, but June 16-November 28 you can visit St. Mary’s city Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.

So take advantage of just one of the many great things Southern Maryland has to offer! This weekend St. Mary’s City will be holding its Mid Summer Faire where commoners and gentry are invited to spend the day enjoying merriment, games, music, entertainment,  and competitions inspired by the colonial past. There will be sawing contests, wooden-horse jousting, pig races, jugglers and more! Daily admission rates apply.

Historic St. Mary’s City is located at 18559 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary’s City, 20686. For more information, visit http://www.stmaryscity.org or call 800-SMC-1634 or 240-895-4990.

*Information from www.stmaryscity.org

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