Coltons Point in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

St. Clement's Island

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 26, 2022

1. St. Clement's Island Marker

Inscription. To this island in March 1634, Governor Leonard Calvert and the first Maryland colonists came in the vessels Ark and Dove. Here they took possession of the Province of Maryland, erected a cross of Maryland wood and celebrated the Holy Sacrifice. Here they first brought to the new world those principles of religious liberty which have been the chief glory of this state.

Erected 1970 by Maryland Historical Society, originally erected by the State of Maryland March 25, 1934.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Events • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Historical Trust series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1634.

Location. 38° 12.509′ N, 76° 44.66′ W. Marker is in Coltons Point, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. It can be reached from Point Breeze Road 0.2 miles Colton Point Road (Maryland Route 242). Marker is on St. Clements Island which is only accessibly by boat. A ferry operates on weekends from the St. Clement's Island Museum on Point Breeze Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Coltons Point MD 20626, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Maryland.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in the Tidewater,

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ancestral Garden (a few steps from this marker); Freedom to Worship (a few

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steps from this marker); Trade Expands (within shouting distance of this marker); Blackistone Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Blackistone Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Clement's Hundred (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Blackistone Lighthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blackistone Lighthouse Bell Tower (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coltons Point.

Other markers no longer nearby. "With a laudable and pious zeal for the propagation of the Christian faith" (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Welcome to St. Clement's Island (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); A Target for Big Guns (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Blackistone Island Lighthouse (was within shouting

Photographed by F. Robby, September 12, 2009

2. St. Clement's Island Marker

This is a photo of the marker prior to its restoration.

distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

St. Clement's Island Cross with the marker affixed at the base image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 26, 2022

3. St. Clement's Island Cross with the marker affixed at the base

Dedication plaque on the other side of the cross image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 26, 2022

4. Dedication plaque on the other side of the cross

Another St. Clement's Island Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by F. Robby, September 12, 2008

5. Another St. Clement's Island Marker

This marker was originally part of the 1934 memorial cross, but went missing for many years. It was found in 1983 during an excavation project on the island, and moved inside the St. Clement's Island Museum. The text on this marker is nearly identical to the subject marker for this page.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2009, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,136 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 27, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on November 7, 2009, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on August 27, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 5. submitted on November 7, 2009, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.