St. Mary's City in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Maryland’s Pride and Glory
Commemorating
Photographed By Tom Fuchs, March 31, 2007
1. Commemorating Maryland’s Pride and Glory Marker
Marker is on the walkway behind the statue.
In the early 1880s, Marylanders began to commemorate the “lost city” of St. Mary’s as a place of special significance. The 300th anniversary of Maryland’s founding in 1934 brought renewed attention and enthusiasm. The State House replica was built, a huge celebration drawing over 100,000 people was held, and this statue was commissioned. It honors religious toleration, a right secured to all citizens of Maryland by “An Act Concerning Religion,” passed by the General Assembly in 1649.
This statue was paid for by donations from various counties in the state. It is graced by a garden, redesigned in 2000 as a community project. The “BayScapes” garden embodies the concept of environmentally sound landscaping developed by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. By relying heavily on native species that do not require pesticides, fertilizers or supplemental watering, this garden benefits people, wildlife, the St. Mary’s River, and ultimately the Bay.
The garden is sponsored by St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the Historic St. Mary’s City Commission, St. Mary’s Parish, the Governor’s Lower Potomac
this page online
(caption) Hans Schuler, Sr. (1874–1951) a Baltimore sculptor, created this statue. In his words, it “represents the liberation of the spirit that had for so long been bound by intolerance. ... The torch represents the flame that kindled this fire of religious freedom throughout the world.”
(sidebar) “No man who repairth thither is a Christian in danger of being disturbed for his religion.” —John Ogilby, 1671.
(sidebar) The Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is the state flower and represents the black and gold family colors of the Calverts, the founders of Maryland. Its perennial version, Rudbeckia Fulgida, is planted here.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Horticulture & Forestry • Peace • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Saint Mary's City series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.
Location. 38° 11.307′ N, 76° 25.968′ W. Marker is in St. Mary's City, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. Marker is on
Photographed By Tom Fuchs, March 31, 2007
2. “Freedom of Conscience”
by Hans Schuler, Sr.
by Hans Schuler, Sr.
The statue was erected in May, 1935. Click on image to enlarge to examine detail.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Mary's Female Seminary (a few steps from this marker); St. Mary's College of Maryland (within shouting distance of this marker); Margaret Brent Pilgrimage (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Mary's College of Maryland Land Acknowledgement and Pledge (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Gift of the Society of the Ark and the Dove (about 500 feet away); Saint Mary's Female Seminary (about 600 feet away); After the Disastrous Fire (about 600 feet away); Sharing Land and Legacy (about 700 feet away); “…a convenient place for the administration of Justice.” (about 700 feet away); The St. Mary’s Chapel (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Mary's City.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, March 31, 2007
3. “Freedom of Conscience” Detail
Photographed By Tom Fuchs, March 31, 2007
4. Back of Statue
“A gift to the State of Maryland from the Counties to commemorate the 300th anniversary of its founding, 1634–1934.”
Photographed By Tom Fuchs, March 31, 2007
5. Detail from Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 11, 2015
6. You are Here
The 1934 Tercentenary Celebration at St. Mary's City, looking south, The statue was erected in May, 1935, at the location of the red dot.Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 11, 2015
7. 1934 Medallion
Also designed by Hans Schuler, this medallion represents the landing of the Maryland colonists in 1634.Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 11, 2015
8. Hans Schuler
Hans Schuler, Sr. (1874–1951) a Baltimore sculptor, created this statue. In his words, it “represents the liberation of the spirit that had for so long been bound by intolerance. … The torch represents the flame that kindled this fire of religious freedom throughout the world.”Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 11, 2015
9. Freedom of Conscience
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 11, 2015
10. Freedom of Conscience
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 11, 2015
11. Freedom of Conscience
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 11, 2015
12. Schuler
Hans Schuler's signature on the Freedom of Conscience Monument.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,739 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 20, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. submitted on March 28, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Long shot of the statue as seen from the highway • Photos of the garden • Can you help?
