Maryland Day 2023: The history behind Maryland Day on March 25 is one for the annals. Many people associate Maryland with seafood, but the state has a complex history with surprising details.
HISTORY OF MARYLAND DAY
On June 20, 1632, King Charles I of England authorised the charter that granted Cecilius Calvert, the Baron of Baltimore, the right to reside in Maryland. The settlers boarded two ships: a large vessel named Ark and a smaller vessel named Dove. Leonard Calvert, the brother of Cecilius, travelled on the former and commanded the Maryland settlers.
The ships set sail from Cowes on the Isle of Wight on November 22, 1634. After several days, a tempest struck and caused the ships to separate. The Ark landed on the Fortunate Islands, which are now known as the Canary Islands, before sailing west across the Atlantic and landing on January 3 on Barbados in the West Indies. On February 27, after being stationed there for three weeks, the Dove returned to them and they sailed north to Virginia. Early in March, they stocked up on supplies before travelling from Chesapeake Bay to the Potomac.
They arrived on the shores of Maryland, much to the Native Americans’ concern. Leonard Calvert sailed to Piscataway and conferred with the Conoy Indian chief, with whom he negotiated the maintenance of peace. He sailed back down the Potomac, and on March 25, English settlers rowed to the soon-to-be-named St. Clements Island and celebrated their achievement with a Thanksgiving feast.
The State Board of Education chose March 25 as the day to recognise the history of Maryland, which began in 1903, and designated it Maryland Day. In 1916, the General Assembly declared it a lawful holiday. Today, Maryland Day is observed as a day of education, amusement, and exploration through events and activities centred on exploration.
HOW TO OBSERVE MARYLAND DAY
Listen to some sea sounds
There are festivals in Annapolis and parts of Anne Arundel County that enable you to travel to different places through music. The Naval Academy Band is also the ideal venue for commemorating Maryland’s maritime heritage. The Naval Academy Band performs enthralling works by a variety of accomplished composers that pay tribute to Maryland.
History of American Indians
Learning about the Native Americans of Maryland is a wonderful way to show respect. Visiting the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian is an excellent method to accomplish this objective. You will be able to explore authentic locations and sacred sites, and you will have access to photographs, maps, ceremonial objects, and commonplace items used by Native Americans.
Set sail yourself
Visit Dock Street in Annapolis to learn about the ships of Maryland. The Pride of Baltimore II is a renowned tall ship in Maryland where individuals can learn about the history of privateers. If you want to experience Annapolis Harbor and the United States Naval Academy from the perspective of a sailor, Watermark Cruises offers 40-minute excursions.
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FIVE SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MARYLAND DAY
Rulers of the realm
George Calvert was the first Lord of Baltimore, followed by his son Cecil Calvert.
Habitat of Oprah
Previously, Oprah Winfrey was a news anchor in Baltimore.
Legendary history
Baltimore has the most statues and monuments per capita of any city in the United States.
Best metropolis
Baltimore is the largest metropolis in Maryland, but Annapolis is the state capital.
Lord of the oceans
Lunchtime seafood sales typically exceed the combined sales of hamburgers and hotdogs.
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WHY MARYLAND DAY IS IMPORTANT
A pivotal point in history
Although Maryland is a relatively small state, it is packed with significant historical events. Harriet Tubman was born in Dorchester County, and residents persevered after the “Great Baltimore Fire.” These are merely a few of Maryland’s contributions to the nation as a whole. Without this tiny state, the United States would be different.
In the Navy
From its founding to the present, Maryland has had a close relationship with the sea. The United States Naval Academy was established in Annapolis on 10 October 1845. The school opened with fifty midshipmen and seven professors who instructed the future Navy in mathematics, navigation, gunnery, steam, English, chemistry, natural philosophy, and French.
The national song
The national anthem was composed by a Maryland-based attorney. Many historians believe it was written on September 14, 1814, during the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor by Francis Scott Key.
MARYLAND DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 25 | Saturday |
| 2024 | March 25 | Monday |
| 2025 | March 25 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 25 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 25 | Thursday |
