St. Mary's City in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Laura Maryland Carpenter Blinn
Mistress Margaret Brent
Photographed By Tom Fuchs, March 31, 2007
1. Blinn – Brent Marker
Also to the memory of Mistress Margaret Brent, c.1601–1671, known as the “Portia of America” being the only woman lawyer in the colonies.
Erected 1955 by the National Society, Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Saint Mary's City series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1955.
Location. 38° 11.22′ N, 76° 26.142′ W. Marker is in St. Mary's City, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. Marker can be reached from Trinity Church Road west of Point Lookout Road (Maryland Route 5). It is at the Trinity Episcopal Church cemetery, overlooking the St Mary’s River to the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Landing of the Ark and the Dove (here, next to this marker); Thomas Allen Senior (a few steps from this marker); John Llewellyn (within shouting distance of this marker); Leonard Calvert (within shouting distance of this marker); The First State House of Maryland (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Mary's City.
Regarding Laura Maryland Carpenter Blinn. There is no evidence that Margaret Brent was a lawyer. What is known is that she served as Lord Baltimore’s attorney (in other words, as his proxy) while executrix of his brother Leonard Calvert’s will; and demanded, unsuccessfully, that she be allowed to vote in his stead, and a second vote for herself as landowner.
The reference to “Portia” may be to the character in William Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice, where Portia disguises herself as a lawyer.
Related markers.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, March 31, 2007
2. Blinn – Brent Marker
Also see . . . Margaret Brent. by Dr. Lois Green Carr on the Archives of Maryland website. (Submitted on April 15, 2007.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,065 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 15, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
