Two ships full of illegal Catholics landed on this tiny Maryland island in 1634 and built America’s first religious refuge

St. Mary’s City, Maryland

George Calvert wanted a place where people of all faiths could worship freely. He asked King Charles I for land to build this colony. George died before his dream came true. His son Cecil took over the mission and the title of Second Lord Baltimore.

Cecil sent his brothers Leonard and George to lead about 140 settlers to create the Maryland colony. The ships left in late 1633.

King Charles named the territory “Maryland” after his Catholic wife, Queen Henrietta Maria. This became the fourth English settlement in North America.

The Voyage Begins From England

Two ships left the Isle of Wight on November 22, 1633. The Ark, a large 400-ton ship, carried most passengers. The smaller 40-ton Dove carried extra supplies.

Three days later, a fierce storm in the English Channel split up the ships. Many on the Ark thought the Dove had sunk.

A second, worse storm hit the Ark on November 29 and lasted three days. The trip took much longer than planned. The tired travelers wondered if they would ever reach land.

Christmas Tragedy at Sea

The captain gave out wine on December 25, 1633, for Christmas. This rare treat boosted spirits after weeks of hard sailing.

The next day, 30 colonists got sick. Too much drinking mixed with poor ship conditions caused a deadly fever.

Twelve passengers died, including two Catholics. These were the only deaths during the entire ocean journey.

The survivors mourned their lost friends and sailed on, more determined than ever to build their new lives.

Caribbean Reunion and Final Approach

The Ark reached Barbados on January 3, 1634, after 42 days at sea. The tired travelers got fresh supplies and rested.

Two weeks later, the Dove showed up in the harbor. The smaller ship had found shelter in Plymouth during the storm before continuing its journey.

The ships sailed north, stopping at St. Christophers before reaching Virginia on February 24, 1634. After a week in Virginia, they sailed up the Chesapeake Bay toward their final stop in Maryland.

Arrival at St. Clement’s Island

The ships reached a small island in the Potomac River on March 25, 1634. They named it St. Clement’s Island after the patron saint of sailors.

The colonists built a large wooden cross on the island. Father Andrew White, a priest, led the first Catholic Mass in the English colonies.

This date is now “Maryland Day,” celebrated yearly across the state. The island was about 400 acres then, much larger than today’s 62 acres which have worn away over time.

Meeting the Piscataway Leadership

Leonard Calvert needed permission from local tribes to build a settlement. He left the island with a small group on the Dove.

Captain Henry Fleet led the way. This fur trader spoke Native languages and understood tribal politics in the area.

Calvert met with the Piscataway tayac, the main chief. He convinced the leader that the English came in peace.

The Piscataway told Calvert to look farther south along the river, to land owned by the Yaocomico tribe.

The Yaocomico Land Agreement

Leonard Calvert met with the Yaocomico werowance, their tribal leader, in late March 1634. The Yaocomico agreed to sell their village and about 30 miles of land around it.

The settlers traded metal axes, hoes, cloth, glass beads, and mirrors for the land. These tools were very valuable to the Native Americans who had no way to make metal items.

A story says the deal happened under a mulberry tree at St. Mary’s Point, though no written record proves this.

Founding of St. Mary’s City

The colonists started St. Mary’s City on March 27, 1634, just two days after landing. The spot was perfect – it had good harbor, cleared farm fields, and fresh water.

Half the Yaocomico people left right away. The rest stayed for a year to harvest their crops. This plan worked well for both groups.

St. Mary’s City served as Maryland’s capital for 61 years until 1695, when the government moved to what is now Annapolis.

Religious Composition of the Settlers

Though made as a Catholic haven, most of the 140-150 first settlers were Protestant. This mix showed Cecil Calvert’s practical thinking.

Only about 20 gentlemen and two priests were Catholic. These educated men became leaders.

Many Protestant settlers were indentured servants who worked for years to pay for their passage. Their work was key to the colony’s survival.

Cecil brought both Catholics and Protestants to help the colony succeed in Protestant-ruled England.

Cecil Calvert’s Instructions for Religious Tolerance

Cecil Calvert gave his brother Leonard clear rules about keeping religious peace. These rules created Maryland’s unique religious freedom.

Catholics were told to practice their faith privately to avoid upsetting Protestants. They should stay quiet when religious topics came up in conversation.

Leonard was ordered to treat Protestants “with mildness and favor.” This equal treatment under colonial law was rare for the time.

The First Legislative Assembly

Maryland’s first assembly met in 1634 and continued through 1635. This group took the first steps toward self-rule.

Members challenged some of Cecil Calvert’s orders while keeping his rule for religious tolerance. They valued both freedom and peace.

The assembly pushed for practical changes, like letting people build farms outside the main fort. Leonard supported these changes in letters to his brother, helping bridge the gap between Cecil’s vision and real colony needs.

Visiting St. Mary’s City

Historic St. Mary’s City sits at 18751 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, March through November. Winter hours are limited to Friday through Sunday.

Adult admission costs $10, seniors $9, students $6, and children 5 and under enter free. You can explore reconstructed buildings, living history demonstrations, and archaeological sites.

The Woodland Indian Hamlet, Tobacco Plantation, and Maryland Dove ship replica are must-see attractions. St. Clement’s Island Museum (38370 Point Breeze Road, Colton’s Point) provides water taxi service to the island during summer months.

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