Discover Southern Maryland's Amazing Stories of Exploration, Hope, and Courage

Discover Southern Maryland's Amazing Stories of Exploration, Hope, and Courage. . , Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail ,

"Passing along the coast, searching every inlet, and bay, fit for harbours and habitations…" , Captain John Smith, describing his explorations of the Chesapeake region in 1608

, Many people know of Captain John Smith's role in the settlement of Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. But few know that Smith also explored and mapped nearly 3,000 miles of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, all in an open boat, with a small group of companions, encouraging many thriving Native American communities along the way. This trail, America's first waterway national historic trail, follows Smith's remarkable journey and the tidal waters that he explored., Religious Freedom National Scenic Byway ,

No Person or Persons … shall henceforth be in any ways troubled molested or discountenanced for or in respect of his or her Religion nor in the free exercise thereof…" , Act Concerning Religion, Maryland General Assembly, April 21, 1649

, Freedom of religion in America has its roots here in Southern Maryland. Along this scenic byway you can explore the story behind the first attempt in America to introduce what were once considered radical ideas: religious toleration and to separate church from government. This fundamental belief can be traced through American history to the First Amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing everyone living in the United States the right to believe as they wish., Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail ,

And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave , O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave." , Francis Scott Key, fourth stanza of the Star Spangled Banner, 1814

, This 290-mile historic trail connects the places and events of the War of 18 12 that led Francis Scott Key to pen the words to our national anthem. A major part of that story, the route of the invading British fleet in late summer of 1814, is found here in Southern Maryland., Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail ,

"…a great avenue into the Western Country … one of the finest rivers in the world…" , George Washington, describing The Potomac River in 1793

, George Washington lived along and traveled the Potomac River, pursuing his dream to connect the Atlantic Seaboard with an expanding western frontier. His efforts to use the river as a commercial artillery influenced industrialization and development in the 1800s and beyond. From tidewater here in Southern Maryland to the Youghiogheny River in western Pennsylvania, this trail network connects the sites and terrain that shaped our first president's life, and thus shaped a young America.