Maryland Day is a state holiday that commemorates March 25, 1634 – the date settlers disembarked from the sister sailing ships Ark
and Dove
onto what would become Maryland soil at St. Clement's Island in present-day St. Mary's County.
Maryland Colony was authorized under a charter granted by Charles I of England to Cecilius Calvert, Baron of Baltimore. Traveling on the Ark
to the new colony, Leonard Calvert – Lord Baltimore's brother – led the settlers. The purpose of their voyage was not to discover new lands, but rather settle them.
Departing on November 22, 1633, the approximate 140 voyagers set off from Cowes on the English Isle of Wight. Three days later, a severe storm tossed them about at sea and separated the ships. The Ark
continued her journey, following the European coast south to the Fortunate (now Canary) Islands.
From the Canaries, they sailed due west across the Atlantic, touching land at Barbados on January 3, 1634. There, the ship's weary travelers spent three weeks replenishing provisions – witnessing, perhaps by fate, the Dove
reappear after weathering the voyage alone.
They reached Virginia on February 27. The settlers gathered additional supplies before navigating north to the Chesapeake Bay and mouth of the Potomac by March 3.
The ships alarmed Native Americans who sent alerts using large signal fires. To meet the Conoy Indian chief and calm their fears, Leonard Calvert on the Dove
sailed to Piscataway (present-day Prince George's County). There, an accord was negotiated.
On March 25, the settlers climbed from the Ark
and Dove
and rowed to an island which they would later name St. Clement's. A day of thanksgiving was held in a maritime moment that made Maryland.
Haven Harbour South's Ark Atrium and Dove Lounge event spaces are proudly named for the aforementioned sailing vessels that brought to Maryland Colony her first settlers – including ancestors of our ownership, the Brawner family.
FEATURED PHOTO: The Maryland flag is one of the most uniquely-designed state standards in the U.S., bearing the arms of the Calvert and Crossland families.
As of late a seasonal locale, Rock Hall is giving nearby Chestertown a run for their money in terms of number of open, year-round dining establishments.