On September 29th, and for the first time ever, the Pride of Baltimore II and the Maryland Dove will sail together off the shores of Historic St. Mary’s City. The two historic tall ships are set to mark Maryland’s 400th anniversary countdown with this piece of living history, which is free to the public. The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area and the Baltimore National Heritage Area are sponsoring the event.
The public sail is one of the first events in the countdown to Maryland’s 400th anniversary in 2034. Both ships represent Maryland’s historical achievements in different eras: the Dove is a close historical interpretation of the 84-foot trading vessel that was sailed by a crew of 40 from England to establish the Maryland colony. And the Pride II is a reproduction of the 1812-era clipper ships used to defeat the British during the Revolutionary War.
Historic St. Mary’s City itself holds cultural significance, as it was the first colonial settlement founded in March of 1634. Originally called the Province of Maryland, St. Mary’s served as the capital until 1695 and is the fourth-oldest permanent English settlement in the United States.
Both ships will depart from the St. Mary’s dock at 1 p.m. and return by 3 p.m., and spectators are encouraged to watch from the bluffs of the surrounding Historic St. Mary’s City. A public reception will follow.
Visitors unable to attend the event are encouraged to follow the path of the Pride II as it makes it way down the Chesapeake by following this link.
Spectators interested in attending the event in-person are encouraged to RSVP here.
