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. Some historians believe it was named after Jesus’ mother Mary. The name was derived from Queen Henrietta Maria of England, who was married to King Charles I.
The background of Maryland Day
On June 20, 1632, King Charles I of England authorized 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, traveled 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 traveling 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 recognize 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 centered on exploration.
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5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MARYLAND DAY
George Calvert was the first Lord of Baltimore, followed by his son Cecil Calvert.
Previously, Oprah Winfrey was a news anchor in Baltimore.
Baltimore has the most statues and monuments per capita of any city in the United States.
Baltimore is the largest metropolis in Maryland, but Annapolis is the state capital.
Lunchtime seafood sales typically exceed the combined sales of hamburgers and hotdogs.
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 |
