Maryland Day
Maryland Day is celebrated on March 25 every year and is a state holiday in Maryland. It marks the arrival of the first settlers in Maryland, on this day in 1634, establishing the third English colony in America.
Maryland Day is not a public holiday. Thus, schools and businesses go about as usual. If the 25th of March happens to fall on a Sunday, the day is celebrated on the following Monday.
The History of the State of Maryland
Lord Baltimore, or Cecil Calvert, was the founder of the colony. On June 20, 1632, he received authorization from King Charles I to find a colony in his name. Calvert's wish was to have a colony where Roman Catholics could practice their religion, amongst all other faiths.
It was on March 25, 1634, when 150 European settlers, led by Lord Baltimore, arrived at St. Clement's Island, in what would become the state of Maryland.
The settlers came from London, aboard two ships named the Dove and the Ark. The journey began on November 22, 1634, from Cowes, a seaport town on the Isle of Wight. After a few days, a storm broke out, which separated both ships. The Ark drifted towards the Fortunate Islands (present-day Canary Islands).
After that, the ship sailed west and reached Barbados in the West Indies on January 3. Three weeks later, the two ships met up and sailed towards Virginia on February 27. They stocked up on supplies and then headed for Chesapeake Bay, Maryland in early March.
Upon arrival on the island, they held a ceremony to give thanks for their safe arrival at their destination. The colony was named Mary-land after the King expressed his wish to have it named after his wife, Henrietta Maria. It later became just Maryland.
The Holiday
Maryland Day did not become widely celebrated until 1903, when Maryland schools began hosting activities and celebrations on March 25 to educate students on the history and origins of the state. This began spreading across the state, and in 1916 the General Assembly officially recognized Maryland Day as a legal holiday, to be celebrated by everyone in the state.
Maryland Day Celebrations
In schools, students learn about the history of the state, and state leaders pay visits to better educate children about their local histories on this day.
In St. Mary's City, the first colonial capital of the state, ceremonies, pageants, and reenactments are held to celebrate the arrival of the first settlers in 1634.
The biggest and most well-known celebration of this holiday is the annual Maryland Day Weekend celebration. It takes place in 20 places across Maryland, with as many as 40 events taking place throughout the weekend, where the heritage and culture of the state take center stage.
About Maryland
- Capital: Annapolis
- Largest City: Baltimore
- Statehood: April 28, 1788 (7th state)
- Nickname: The Old Line State, Free State
- State Bird: Baltimore Oriole
- State Flower: Black-Eyed Susan
- State Tree: White Oak
- State Song: "Maryland, My Maryland"
- Geography: Mid-Atlantic region, bordered by Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
- Chesapeake Bay: Maryland is known for its extensive coastline along the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States.
- Economy: Diverse economy, including industries like biotechnology, aerospace, and information technology.
- Historical Significance: St. Mary's City was the first colonial settlement in Maryland in 1634.
- Fort McHenry: The site of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, inspiring the writing of the U.S. national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
- Johns Hopkins University: A prestigious research university located in Baltimore.
- Ocean City: A popular beach destination on the Atlantic Ocean.
- Crab Industry: Maryland is famous for its blue crabs, and crab dishes are a significant part of the state's culinary culture.
- Sports: Home to successful sports teams, including the Baltimore Ravens (NFL) and the Baltimore Orioles (MLB).
- National Aquarium: Located in Baltimore, one of the leading aquariums in the United States.
- Great Seal: Features the Calvert and Crossland family coats of arms, representing Lord Baltimore's role in founding Maryland.
- Presidential Connections: George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in the Maryland State House in Annapolis.
- State Motto: "Fatti maschii, parole femine" (Manly deeds, womanly words).
- Unique State Flag: Features the heraldic banner of George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, and is one of the most distinctive state flags in the U.S.
- Diverse Cultures: Maryland's population reflects a rich diversity, influenced by historical events and immigration patterns.
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These bullet points provide a glimpse into the varied and significant aspects of Maryland's history, geography, culture, and contributions.
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