COLTONS POINT, Md. – On March 25th, 2024, a celebration of the founding of Maryland at the state’s birthplace, St. Clement’s Island, was packed with attendees. The museum, with FREE admission from 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., included free water taxi rides, an official ceremony featuring guest speakers, a program – including the exchange of ceremonial gifts between the Piscataway and the English settlers, and more.
This festival memorialized the first landing of the colonists on St. Clement’s Island – a significant part of the island’s, St. Mary’s County’s, and the State of Maryland’s history.
“We are so pleased with the weather today! It has enabled so many people (approximately 300-400) to come out and join us here at the museum. The rich culture of this land is being shared and cherished by so many and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Karen Stone, the Museum Division Manager.
Stone went on to stress the importance of this epic landmark.
“Today is Maryland’s most important day. This spot, in 1634, is where the very beginnings of Maryland were started, and then moved on to St. Mary’s City. 390 years ago, our state was born and we have worked hard to preserve the value of its history including the English settlers, Native Americans, and the Catholic Church,” said Stone.
“We are thrilled to see how families have come together to learn and celebrate with us – especially descendants of some of the first families!”
Located in the Potomac River off the shore of Colton’s Point in St. Mary’s County, this 62-acre park contains a memorial cross dedicated to the memory of the first Marylanders. On March 25, 1634, the first English settlers under the Baltimore proprietorship sailed to St. Clement’s Island on the Ark and the Dove. (A replica of the Maryland Dove can be seen at Historic St. Mary’s City). Boat tours to historic St. Clement’s Island are offered on a daily schedule, from April – October.
Call the St. Clement’s Island Museum (301-769-2222) for more information and schedule of operation. Extenuating circumstances and adverse weather conditions will prevent the water taxi from operating. The 20-passenger vessel, “The Water Taxi II”, is fully insured and is a U.S. Coast Guard-certified tour boat. The park includes a hiking trail and picnicking at a pavilion, which is available on a first-come/first-serve basis. Fishing and hunting are also enjoyed here. St. Clements Island State Park is equipped with a portojohn and has no accessible amenities. [1]
For more information on visiting St. Clement’s Island, check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SCIMuseum
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Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
Citation: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/southern/stclements.aspx [1]
Why is there one former councilman from the Piscataway? Their community has voiced a lack of true council for multiple years and accuse previous council of criminal and immoral acts taken against their tribe… such a shame to still see MD supporting these people and reinforcing undiplomatic governance with American Indians.
Where is Piscataway Chief Swann? He is a direct descendant to who welcomed the ships….i don’t see any of his family or other tribal members. weird
thousands of indians in that tribe constantly raising the MD accountability but only one gets his photo taken?