Maryland Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maryland Day |
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Maryland State Seal
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| Observed by | Maryland |
| Type | Local, Historical |
| Significance | Anniversary of first colonists landing at St. Clement's Island |
| Date | March 25 |
| Next time | March 25, 2026 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Related to | Feast of the Annunciation |
Maryland Day is a special holiday in the U.S. state of Maryland. It celebrates the day, March 25, 1634, when the first European settlers arrived in what would become Maryland. This was the third English colony in North America.
On this day, settlers from two ships, The Ark and The Dove, first stepped onto Maryland soil. They landed at St. Clement's Island in the Potomac River.
About 150 settlers traveled from England to start this new colony. Three Jesuit priests joined them. The King of England, Charles I of England, had given permission for this new colony. He renewed the land grant to Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore. Cecil's father, Sir George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore, first received the grant.
When they landed safely, a Jesuit priest named Father Andrew White held a special Mass. This was a religious service to give thanks. Leonard Calvert, Lord Baltimore's younger brother and the first governor, led the colonists. They also put up a large cross. The landing happened on the Feast of the Annunciation, a holy day honoring Mary. After this first landing, the settlers sailed further to establish their capital at St. Mary's City. This city was near where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay.
Why We Celebrate Maryland Day
Maryland Day became an official holiday in 1903. The State's Board of Education chose this date. They wanted to honor Maryland's history. They also wanted to teach more about state and local history in schools.
In 1916, the General Assembly (Maryland's state legislature) made Maryland Day a legal holiday. This means it's a recognized day off for many people.
How Maryland Day Is Celebrated
Many events happen each year to celebrate Maryland Day. These include ceremonies, activities, and historical shows. They often take place in Historic St. Mary's City. This was the first capital of the colony.
You can visit reconstructed buildings there. These include the first State House. This is where the first meetings of the General Assembly of Maryland were held. This was over 375 years ago!
An annual ceremony also takes place in Baltimore. It is held at the statue of Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore. This statue is on the steps of the Baltimore City Circuit Courthouse.
The annual Maryland Day weekend celebration is a big event. It happens in the Four Rivers Heritage Area of Maryland. This area stretches from Annapolis to Southern Anne Arundel County. This celebration highlights Maryland's history, culture, and environment. Many sites offer over 40 events during the weekend.
In 2020, the Maryland Day celebration was canceled. This was due to the coronavirus pandemic.
