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Unincorporated community in United States
Photo: Pubdog (talk), Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
St. Mary's City is a former colonial town that was Maryland's first settlement and capital. It is now a large, state-run historic area, which includes a reconstruction of the original colonial settlement, and a living history area and museum complex. Half of the area is occupied by the campus of the public honors college, St. Mary's College of Maryland.
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Attractions include full-scale recreations of a 17th century tobacco plantation, the "Dove" (a ship that accompanied Lord Baltimore on his Maryland Expedition), a recreated Yaocomaco village, and the reconstructed (and restored) town center itself. Exhibits are staffed by "historical interpreters" in period costume.
Founded in 1840 as a female seminary, today a small but pleasantly scenic public liberal arts college of about 2000 students.
A beautiful old historic church. It was built in the 19th century with recycled bricks from the 17th century and underwent renovations in the 20th century.
Chamber music, orchestra, and jazz concerts by the riverfront at St. Mary's College are a positively delightful way to spend a summer evening in Maryland.
Fine dining.
National chain sub-shop.
Museum shop.
St. Mary's City is best visited by car, as it is far from major public transportation routes.C. Beltway/I-95, follow exits for MD-5 South, which you can follow all the way straight to St.
Read in the guideYou can easily walk St. Mary's City, but exploring the surrounding area in St. Mary's County will generally require a car.
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Washington · International · DCA
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