When most people think about iconic Maryland foods, blue crabs, Smith Island cake, and Old Bay seasoning are the first things come to mind. However, there is one uniquely Southern Maryland dish that has deep historical roots stretching back more than three centuries – stuffed ham!

St. Mary’s County has been designated as the official birthplace of stuffed ham, and a historic marker will be erected and dedicated to this honor by the St. Mary’s County Museum Division with a grant from the Pomeroy Foundation on Sunday March 29, 2026. Immediately following the ceremony, a reception will be held next door at The Potomac Gardens and will include samples of a variety of locally made stuffed ham from across St. Mary’s County. The marker was created through the William G. Pomeroy Foundation’s “Hungry for History” program. Learn More

The History of Stuffed Ham

This traditional dish dates back to the early 1700s, when settlers began preparing whole hams by cutting deep pockets into the meat and filling them with chopped cabbage, kale, onion, herbs, and spices. The ham is then tightly wrapped and slowly cooked, allowing the flavors to infuse throughout the meat.

The result is a distinctive dish that blends savory pork with seasoned greens, a recipe that has been passed down through generations of families across Southern Maryland.

Over time, stuffed ham became closely associated with St. Mary’s County, where it remains a staple at community gatherings, church dinners, family celebrations, and local restaurants. While variations of the recipe exist across the region, the tradition itself is widely considered a hallmark of the county’s culinary heritage.

If you would like your county featured in Fun Facts, please get in touch with Shantelle Malcolm-Lym at shantelleml@mdcounties.org.