​Maryland Day - March 25, 2027

Maryland Day is marked on March 25 to commemorate the arrival of English settlers in 1634 and celebrate the rich, layered history of the state that grew from their landing. This joyful observance honors the moment when the Ark and Dove reached what would become Maryland, marking the beginning of a colony that blended ambition, faith, negotiation, and perseverance into a unique identity.

Maryland Day History

English colonization of Maryland began with a royal charter granted by King Charles I on June 20, 1632, to Cecilius Calvert, the second Baron Baltimore. This document gave Calvert and his heirs broad authority to establish a colony named in honor of the king's wife, Queen Henrietta Maria, though some historians suggest the name also evoked the Virgin Mary. Cecilius, a Catholic nobleman seeking a place where his faith could be practiced freely, entrusted leadership of the expedition to his younger brother Leonard Calvert, who would serve as the colony's first governor.

The settlers departed England on November 22, 1633, aboard two vessels: the larger Ark and the smaller Dove. A fierce storm separated the ships early in the voyage, sending the Ark to the Canary Islands while the Dove weathered the Atlantic alone. They reunited in Barbados, where the group spent three weeks replenishing supplies before sailing north. After a brief stop in Virginia for additional provisions, they entered Chesapeake Bay and navigated up the Potomac River in early March 1634, reaching the shores of what would become Maryland.

Upon arrival, Leonard Calvert encountered the indigenous Conoy people at Piscataway. He engaged in careful diplomacy with their chief, securing permission to settle peacefully through negotiations that respected existing inhabitants while establishing English claims. On March 25, 1634, the settlers rowed to St. Clement's Island, where they held a thanksgiving feast, offered prayers, and erected a cross, marking the formal beginning of Maryland's English settlement with gratitude and solemnity.

The colony's early years reflected Calvert's vision of religious tolerance, attracting both Catholic and Protestant settlers despite tensions with neighboring Virginia and occasional conflicts with indigenous groups. Maryland grew into a prosperous province known for tobacco cultivation, shipbuilding, and a distinctive blend of English common law with local adaptations. Its strategic location on the Chesapeake Bay made it a vital center for trade and transportation.

Maryland Day was formalized in the early 20th century when the State Board of Education selected March 25 as an annual day to teach Maryland's founding history in schools, beginning in 1903. The General Assembly recognized it as a legal holiday in 1916, and today the day features educational events, historical reenactments, community festivals, and activities focused on exploration, heritage, and pride in Maryland's enduring legacy.

Why Maryland Day Matters

Learn about the Patriotic Song Origins

Francis Scott Key, a Maryland lawyer, wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" on September 14, 1814, while witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. The poem captured American resilience and hope, later becoming the national anthem. Maryland's role in this defining moment adds emotional depth to the state's historical significance, linking its past to the nation's enduring spirit.

Deep Connection To Maritime Heritage

From its founding voyage across the Atlantic to the establishment of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1845, Maryland has always been tied to the sea. The Academy trained generations of officers in navigation, gunnery, engineering, and leadership, strengthening national defense and maritime tradition. This legacy of water-based exploration, trade, and service continues to define the state's identity and economy.

Explore the Rich Historical Background

Though geographically small, Maryland has produced outsized contributions to American identity, from four signers of the Declaration of Independence to Harriet Tubman's birthplace in Dorchester County and the perseverance of citizens after the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904. These moments of courage, innovation, and endurance show how a modest state can shape national history, inspire pride, and remind us that impact depends on character rather than size.

How to Celebrate Maryland Day

Experience Maryland's Maritime Legacy Firsthand

Head to Dock Street in Annapolis to tour the Pride of Baltimore II, a majestic tall ship that embodies the state's privateering history. Take a short cruise with Watermark Cruises to explore Annapolis Harbor and view the United States Naval Academy from the water, feeling the connection to centuries of sailing, trade, and naval tradition that shaped Maryland's identity.

Explore Native American Heritage And Sites

Visit the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian or local Maryland sites to learn about the Conoy, Piscataway, and other indigenous peoples who lived on the land before European arrival. View authentic artifacts, photographs, maps, and ceremonial objects that tell stories of sacred places, daily life, and resilience, deepening respect for the original inhabitants and their enduring legacy.

Immerse In Maritime Music And Traditions

Attend concerts or festivals in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County featuring sea shanties, naval music, or performances by the United States Naval Academy Band. These events transport listeners to Maryland's seafaring past, honoring the state's connection to the water through stirring compositions that evoke exploration, courage, and pride in naval heritage.

Facts About Maryland Day

Charter Grant Date

King Charles I granted the Maryland charter to Cecilius Calvert on June 20, 1632, establishing the colony's legal foundation.

Ark And Dove Voyage

The settlers sailed on the Ark and Dove, departing England in November 1633 and arriving in Maryland on March 25, 1634, after stops in Barbados and Virginia.

St. Clement's Island Landing

On March 25, 1634, settlers reached St. Clement's Island, held a thanksgiving feast, and erected a cross, marking the colony's official beginning.

Educational Recognition

The Maryland State Board of Education designated March 25 as Maryland Day in 1903 for teaching state history in schools.

Legal Holiday Status

The Maryland General Assembly made Maryland Day an official legal holiday in 1916, encouraging statewide celebration and learning.

​Maryland Day Dates