St. Mary's City in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Mathias de Sousa
Photographed By Tom Fuchs, March 31, 2007
1. Mathias de Sousa Marker
Mathias de Sousa was the first black Marylander. Of African and Portuguese descent, he was one of nine indentured servants brought to Maryland by Jesuit missionaries and was on The Ark when Lord Baltimore’s expedition arrived in the St. Mary’s River in 1634. His indenture finished by 1638 and he became a mariner and fur trader. In 1641 he commanded a trading voyage north to the Susquehannock Indians and, in 1642, sailed as master of a ketch belonging to the Provincial Secretary John Lewger. De Sousa departed and returned to this river many times. He anchored near here and walked to Lewger’s Manor House at St. John’s. While living there he served in the 1642 legislative assembly of freemen. No record remains of de Sousa’s activities after 1642 but his legacy of courage and success is regarded with great pride by all the citizens of St. Mary’s County and Maryland.Erected 1987 by the St. Mary’s County 350th Celebration Committee at St. Mary’s City, Maryland.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans
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Location. 38° 11.133′ N, 76° 26.065′ W. Marker is in St. Mary's City, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Old State House Road and Point Lookout Road (Maryland Route 5). It is near Farthing’s Ordinary on Aldermanbury Street, facing the street and river. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Marys City MD 20686, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In 1648 Margaret Brent Asks for “Vote...And Voyce” (a few steps from this marker); Tobacco... "our meat, drink, clothing and monies" (within shouting distance of this marker); From Many Lands (within shouting distance of this marker); A Busy Enterprise (within shouting distance of this marker); Meet Garrett Van Sweringen (within shouting distance of this marker); Upon This Shore (within shouting distance of this marker); An Innovative Entrepreneur (within shouting distance of this marker); The Van Sweringen Family (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Mary's City.
More about this marker. Marker is on the grounds Historic St. Mary’s City Museum of History and Archeology. The admission fee must be paid to reach this marker.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Tom Fuchs, March 31, 2007
2. Mathias de Sousa Marker
Additional keywords. Multiracial Americans
Photographed By Tom Fuchs, March 31, 2007
3. The Marker Up on the Bluff Faces the St. Mary’s River
Photographed By Tom Fuchs, March 31, 2007
4. Mathias de Sousa
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 10,460 times since then and 469 times this year. Last updated on February 22, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 14, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
