An Armed Camp Takes Over St. Mary's City!

On most days, Historic St. Mary’s City is a tranquil place.  Many local residents love to walk the trails along the river bluff while absorbing nature’s sounds, smells, and sights.  But every October, the crash of musketry and the shouts of military maneuvers invade the 1676 State House and its grounds.   It’s the annual Grand Militia Muster, which takes place this year on Saturday, October 15, from 10 to 5.   Re-enactors from all over the East Coast gather in a colorful encampment that’s open to the public and a lot of fun.  

Militias served a vital purpose in colonial America.  There were no standing armies, not even any full-time sheriff’s deputies.  Whenever danger threatened, able-bodied men were called to service by the colony.  Their families may have accompanied them to gathering places such as Maryland’s first capital in St. Mary’s.

These days, the tradition is carried on by the St. Maries Citty Militia, a volunteer organization that’s been active for more than thirty years.  Its members include many local residents, including emeritus professor Dr. Ernie Willoughby of St. Mary’s College, his wife Paula, and their sons Wes and Paul.   Under the leadership of Militia Master Thomas Calloway, who was one of the group’s founders, the St. Maries Citty Militia is a signature presence at events such as Maryland Day.  They are the hosts of each year’s Grand Muster, where visitors can handle weaponry, see foods prepared in the colonial style, watch the military units drill, and inspect the wares offered for sale by sutlers (traders who specialize in colonial-era reproduction clothing, ceramics, household decorations, and other goods.)  It’s a great family event!

For more information about the Grand Militia Muster, check out our website, www.stmaryscity.org, or call 240-895-4990.