Many buildings have been encountered during the archaeological explorations of St. Mary’s City and many more remain to be discovered. Determine their date and purpose can be challenging, especially for outbuildings around which artifacts tend to be far less abundant …
In the 1970s excavations at the Van Swerigen site, many impressive artifacts were found. Most were the objects used in Van Sweringen’s elegant “Lodging House” or those from later occupants of the house in the eighteenth century. In the image …
Fishing is a very popular activity for Marylanders today, enjoying the bounty found in the Chesapeake Bay and the rivers and streams of the state. Was this also the case in the seventeenth century? If so, what fish were popular …
In 1694, Maryland officials faced a dilemma. Maryland’s first Royal Governor, Sir Lionel Copley, had died and, along with his deceased wife, were resting in unburied lead coffins. It was assumed that directions would come from England to have their …
Deep in the lore about early Maryland is the most famous tree in St. Mary’s City. The “Old Mulberry” stood on Church Point were it was long a very prominent sight. Why this tree is notable is because it witnessed …
To prove your identity, especially on important documents, people in the 17th century required more than a signature because signatures could be easily forged. The solution was an ancient one – having a personal seal. Ancient civilizations of the Near …
When the European settlers arrived on the shores of Maryland, they entered an unfamiliar land both in terms of the native peoples and the environment. They also carried with then an ancient culture and beliefs about the nature of the …
When seventeenth-century archaeology began in Maryland in the early 1970s, it was believed that a number of original buildings from that time period still stood in the state. Most were at least partially of brick and the owners were proud …
We often say that all traces of Maryland’s first capital have vanished below ground. That is true with one significant exception. It is the remnant of an earthen mill dam built only four years after the colony was founded. Located …
When settlers came to Maryland, they carried the most advanced firearms available. Europeans had long used guns that were fired by a burning rope or “match” and called a matchlock, as is seen in use here. It was an effective …
