Archaelogical discoveries in St. Mary’s
Exciting archaeological discoveries continue to shed important light on Maryland's rich colonial history at Historic St. Mary's City. In a major breakthrough that took place in 2021, dedicated archaeologists finally located the long-sought site of the original St. Mary's Fort, which was constructed in 1634 by the first European settlers who founded the state of Maryland. This remarkable discovery came after nearly 90 years of exhaustive searching, marking a significant milestone in our understanding of the state's early colonial period and offering valuable insights into the lives of those early inhabitants.
Dr. Travis Parno, Director of Research and Collections at Historic St. Mary's City, led a team that found the location of a historic fort. They used advanced geophysical techniques like magnetic analysis, magnetometry, and ground-penetrating radar to discover the fort's site in a farmer's field. This process shows how modern technology helps uncover significant archaeological sites. The fort is about the size of a football field and is the fourth English colony in America, after Jamestown, Plymouth, and Massachusetts Bay.
As excavations continue to progress, new and exciting details about the fort's structure and overall layout are emerging: A small square bastion located at the northern corner, which was previously undetected by ground-penetrating radar technology. Additionally, Maryland's first storehouse is being revealed as a large central building, which replaces what was previously thought to be three smaller distinct structures, providing valuable insights into the fort’s historical significance. These findings are thoughtfully visualized in a new, colorized drawing created by artist Jeffrey Parno. This drawing skillfully integrates the latest archaeological data and research to provide a more accurate and detailed representation of the 17th-century fort, allowing viewers to appreciate its historical significance more fully.
Historical Significance
St. Mary's Fort is crucial to a deeper understanding of Maryland's pre-colonial and early colonial past. This historically significant site offers valuable insights into the complex interactions between European settlers and the indigenous peoples who inhabited the region, including the Yaocomaco and Piscataway tribes. Ongoing research efforts aim to tell a more comprehensive and nuanced story of this important period, incorporating perspectives from both colonial settlers and Native American communities to create a fuller picture of their shared history.
The recent discovery has sparked a significant and renewed interest in Maryland's rich colonial history. Historic St. Mary's City continues to engage in various exciting activities, including: conducting thorough excavations at the fort site and exploring nearby indigenous locations in detail. They also focus on developing new and informative exhibits, as well as educational programs that delve into both native and colonial culture. In addition, preparations are underway for Maryland's monumental 400th anniversary celebration in 2034, with plans to prominently incorporate St. Mary's Fort into its comprehensive living history program. The site remains open to the public during specified visitation hours, allowing visitors to witness ongoing archaeological work and experience history come alive firsthand.
What does this mean?
The discovery and ongoing excavation of St. Mary's Fort represent a truly significant advancement in our understanding of early American history. As research continues to unfold, we can expect to uncover more fascinating revelations about daily life in colonial Maryland and the complex interactions that took place between European settlers and Native Americans. This important work not only enriches our historical knowledge but also provides valuable educational opportunities for students, scholars, and the public alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse narratives that shaped our past.
