St. Mary's City in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fear of War, People of Peace
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 22, 2016
1. Fear of War, People of Peace Marker
When Maryland's first Settlers arrived in 1634 they expected to encounter trouble, both from local American Indians and from rival English Colonists across the Potomac River in Virginia.
To assure a place of safety they built a fort at St. Mary's City armed with cannons sent by Lord Baltimore on the Ark. Archaeologists have not yet pinpointed the location of the fort, but his iron cannon may have been used there. It was discovered under the water of the St. Mary's River in 1824.
Although there were periodic conflicts with Virginians, the Yaocomaco Indians generously welcomed the settlers in 1634. The fort never needed as a place of refuge or defense against Indian raids.
we have seated ourselves, within one half mile of the river, with a palizado of one hundred and twenty yarde square with foure flankes, we have mounted one peece of ordinance a fortification (we think) sufficient to defend against any such weake enemies we have reason to expect here. Leonard Calvert, May 30 1634
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1634.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 11.028′
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in Southern Maryland. It was 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 was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: A different marker also named Fear of War, People of Peace (here, next to this marker); A Land in Need of Labor (within shouting distance of this marker); Why Is This Barn Here? (within shouting distance of this marker); " once the Metropolis" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Framing the Past (about 400 feet away); Horse High, Pig Tight, and Bull Strong (about 400 feet away); Early Signs of Industry (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named "a lande, even as God made it" (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Mary's City.
Another marker is no longer nearby. "a lande, even as God made it" (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 22, 2016
2. Fear of War, People of Peace Marker
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 22, 2016
3. Iron Cannon
This iron cannon was found in the St. Mary's River in 1824 and was put on display in St. Mary's city in 1934 as part of the Tercentennial celebration.Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 22, 2016
4. Cannonball
Seventeenth-century cannonball from St. Mary's City shown with an illustration of a cannon called a demiculvern. We know Lord Baltimore sent demicuverns with the original expedition when they departed England in 1633. Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 22, 2016
5. Fear of War, People of Peace Marker and Cannon
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 22, 2016
6. The Iron Cannon
Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 614 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 4, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
