Seton Hill in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
St. Mary's Seminary
Here, at the One Mile Tavern, in 1791, the Fathers of St. Sulpice (Paris, France) founded St. Mary's, the first Roman Catholic Seminary in the United States. Maryland was then a center of Catholic activity, with Baltimore having been selected at the nation's first see (November 6, 1789), embracing all the territory east of the Mississippi and from the Canadian border to the Floridas, which then belonged to Spain. In this vast territory there were not more than thirty priests and more than 30,000 Catholics.
The present Chapel, a national landmark, was designed by Maximilian Godefroy and dedicated on June 16, 1808 by Archbishop John Carroll. Generations of priests were formed here. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton too her first vows in the Lower Chapel (March 25, 1809) and the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first congregation of black Sisters in the world, regard it as the site of their foundation (1829).
The Seminary building (depicted below) was designed by E. F. Baldwin a Baltimore architect. Constructed in various stations from 1876 to 1894, the building was razed in 1975 and the property was sold to the City of Baltimore for St. Mary's Park.
Erected by the City of Baltimore, the Sulpician Fathers, sponsor, William Donald Schaefer, mayor.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education • Women. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Baltimore City historical markers, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is June 16, 1808.
Location. 39° 17.743′ N, 76° 37.413′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in Seton Hill. Marker can be reached from North Paca Street (Maryland Route 129) north of George Street. The marker hangs on St. Mary's Seminary Chapel, which cannot be seen from the street. It can be accessed from the parking lot of St. Mary's Spiritual Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 600 North Paca Street, Baltimore MD 21201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chapel of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple (a few steps from this marker); Historic Chapel of St. Mary's Seminary & University (dedicated 1808) (a few steps from this marker); St. Mary's Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Mother Seton House
By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 8, 2023
Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,664 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 17, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 2. submitted on April 8, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on April 17, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.