On September 29th, and for the first time ever, the Pride of Baltimore II and the Maryland Dove sailed together off the shores of Historic St. Mary’s City. The two historic tall ships joined to mark Maryland’s 400th anniversary countdown with this piece of living history. The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area and the Baltimore National Heritage Area sponsored the event.
You can see the beauty of these two tall ships side by side in this video:
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.
The ships took off from the St. Mary’s dock with enthusiastic passengers (including teachers, police chaplains, artists, museum specialists, and business representatives from across Maryland) and spectators watching from the bluffs of the surrounding Historic St. Mary’s City, with a public reception afterwards.
“The Pride of Baltimore II and Maryland Dove represent treasured ships from our past, and their sailing together was a special way to commemorate our history – especially as we look toward our 400th anniversary and the future that lies ahead,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, one of several lawmakers attending the celebration.
