When people think of Maryland, seafood and sailing often come to mind, but the state’s rich history dates back to the 1600s. Maryland Day, celebrated on March 25, honors and commemorates this historic heritage.
Maryland Day honors the founding of the state and serves as a reminder of its rich history. The state was named after Queen Henrietta Maria of England, wife of King Charles I. On June 20, 1632, King Charles I granted a charter to Cecilius Calvert, the Baron of Baltimore, allowing for the settlement of Maryland.
To embark on this journey, settlers boarded two ships: the Ark, a larger vessel, and the Dove, a smaller one. Cecilius Calvert’s brother, Leonard Calvert, traveled aboard the Ark and led the group of Maryland settlers.
The ships departed on November 22, 1634. After several days at sea, a storm separated them. The Ark continued to the Fortunate Islands (now known as the Canary Islands), then crossed the Atlantic and reached Barbados in the West Indies on January 3. After a three-week stay, the Dove reunited with the Ark, and together they sailed north to Virginia on February 27. After restocking supplies, the settlers continued their journey north through Chesapeake Bay and into the Potomac River in early March.
Upon their arrival, the presence of the settlers caused concern among the Native American tribes. Leonard Calvert traveled to Piscataway to meet with the Conoy Indian Chief, where peaceful negotiations were made. On March 25, 1634, the settlers rowed to an island later named St. Clements, where they held a thanksgiving feast to celebrate their successful journey and new settlement.
In 1903, the State Board of Education designated a special day during the school year to recognize Maryland’s history, choosing March 25 as Maryland Day. The General Assembly later declared it a legal holiday in 1916.
Today, Maryland Day is celebrated with educational activities, fun events, and opportunities for discovery. Across the state, people can participate in various programs that highlight Maryland’s rich heritage. For a full list of events this year, visit Maryland Day Events 2025.
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