Daughters Of The American Revolution Marker Honors Maryland’s Only Revolutionary War Battle

PINEY POINT, Md. — A new historical marker commemorating the Battle of St. George Island, the only Revolutionary War battle fought on Maryland soil, was unveiled Sunday during a formal dedication ceremony led by the Major William Thomas Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Held at the St. George Island Improvement Association as part of the broader Rebels & Redcoats weekend, the ceremony marked the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Battle of St. George Island and drew local officials, historians and community members to the waterfront site where the conflict unfolded.

The formal dedication featured a color guard presentation, invocation, a proclamation from St. Mary’s County commissioners, historical remarks, a wreath-laying ceremony and the unveiling of a commemorative marker honoring the men and women connected to the battle. 

“This ground has a story,” said Peter LaPorte, executive director of the St. Mary’s County Historical Society. “It reminds us that the American Revolution was not fought only in places every school child knows, but also in communities like this one by people whose courage was just as real.”

DAR Leads Marker Dedication At Historic Battle Site

Stacey Park, regent of the Major William Thomas Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, led efforts to dedicate the America 250 marker commemorating the Battle of St. George Island.

“The Battle of St. George Island took place just two weeks after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, so it’s a pretty significant moment in Maryland history,” Park said. “Having this marker at the place where it actually happened is significant for the community here in St. George Island.”

Park explained the importance of placing the marker at the actual site of the 1776 battle, noting that while many visitors stop at nearby Piney Point, the history of the island itself is often overlooked. She emphasized the DAR’s mission of historic preservation, education and patriotism, describing the dedication as both a recognition of Maryland’s only Revolutionary War battle and a way to bring local history to the community.

“A lot of people stop at Piney Point and don’t recognize that one of the major battles took place just a little further down,” Park said. “We’re really excited to be able to bring their history to the forefront today.”

Following remarks and a prayer of dedication, DAR leaders formally unveiled the marker, establishing a permanent reminder of the battle and its legacy.

“May this marker stand as a lasting witness to their lives and their legacy,” Park said. “May it inspire all who visit to reflect on the sacrifices that shaped our nation.”

Local leaders emphasized the importance of recognizing the site within the broader story of Maryland’s history, particularly as the nation approaches its anniversary.

“We are not remembering history from a distance,” said Clayton McGee of the St. George Island Improvement Association. “We are standing on the very ground where it happened.”

Local Leaders Emphasize Historical Significance

St. Mary’s County Commissioner Eric Colvin attended the Daughters of the American Revolution’s (DAR) marker dedication to recognize the historical significance of the Battle of St. George Island and its place in both local and national history.

“We’re out here today to unveil a commemorative plaque in recognition of the Battle of St. George Island that took place during the Revolutionary War,” Colvin said.

Colvin highlighted the role of the DAR and local partners in organizing the event as part of the growing Rebels & Redcoats weekend, noting its connection to America’s 250th anniversary. 

“The Daughters of the American Revolution are great advocates for respecting and remembering our history,” Colvin said.

Colvin emphasized the importance of creating a permanent, visible reminder of the site’s history, both to preserve its legacy and to strengthen tourism by giving visitors a tangible connection to the past. He said that the marker will also support local tourism.

“It’s huge to have something set in stone — something people can physically see when they stand where it happened,” Colvin said. “This is another great tourist location, and it helps keep that memory alive and makes it interesting for visitors coming to our county.”

Colvin delivered remarks recognizing the DAR marker dedication as part of the county’s role in commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.

“We recognize the historical significance of the Battle of St. George Island and commend the Major William Thomas Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for their efforts in honoring this important site,” Colvin said, reading from an official proclamation. 

Colvin connected the historical significance of the Battle of St. George Island to both local pride and national identity, framing St. Mary’s County as an enduring part of the American story. He highlighted recent examples of community strength and innovation — from space exploration ties at NAS Patuxent River to local charitable efforts — before formally presenting a county proclamation honoring the battle, the DAR and the importance of preserving local history for future generations.

“Our story is our nation’s story,” Colvin said. “This recognition highlights the importance of preserving local history as an essential part of our national story.”

Battle Of St. George Island’s Place In History

The Battle of St. George Island occurred in the summer of 1776, when British forces under Virginia’s royal governor sought supplies along the Chesapeake Bay. Local militia forces, familiar with the terrain and waterways, resisted the landing, engaging in a multi-day conflict across the island and surrounding shoreline.

LaPorte emphasized that while Maryland saw little Revolutionary War combat, the events at St. George Island stand as one of the state’s most significant wartime actions.

“That is one reason why it matters,” LaPorte said, during the ceremony. “It tells people plainly something important happened here — not somewhere else in Maryland, but here.”

The dedication is part of a nationwide America 250 initiative by the DAR to install markers and recognize sites tied to the nation’s founding. State Regent Elizabeth Dearing said the effort reflects the organization’s mission to preserve history and promote public awareness.

“This marker will become a source of pride for the community as we celebrate the birthday of America and all of the brave patriots who contributed to its founding,” Dearing said.

LaPorte provided some historical context on the Battle of St. George Island and its significance in Maryland’s Revolutionary War history.

“Lord Dunmore was raiding up and down the Potomac and the Chesapeake, seeking supplies and he thought this was an easy place to land,” LaPorte said during an interview. “He was met with some resistance and didn’t accomplish his mission.”

LaPorte explained the origins of the 1776 conflict, outlining how British forces under Lord Dunmore targeted the island for supplies but were met with resistance from local militia. He emphasized the importance of preserving lesser-known historical sites, noting that while major battles are widely taught, locations like St. George Island represent equally meaningful contributions to the nation’s founding and should be remembered through permanent markers and public education.

“You can’t let the past go unforgotten. This represents a connection with those who stood here before us,” LaPorte said. “Every school child knows Lexington, Concord and Yorktown, but everyone contributed, and this was one of the places where that contribution was made.”

The dedication closed with a benediction and a call for continued stewardship of the site, reinforcing the marker’s role in educating future generations about the Revolutionary War’s local impact.

---