The Waterfront

In 17th-century Maryland, travel was a necessity for communication and trade, and water transportation was the best or only choice. At Historic St. Mary’s City waterfront, visitors can climb onboard the Maryland Dove,chat with the ship’s crew, and learn the hardships and benefits of life aboard a trading vessel. Discover how sailors navigated by the stars, what they ate during a long voyage, and how waterways linked Maryland’s colonists to the rest of the world.

The Maryland Dove commemorates the Dove of 1634, which accompanied Lord Baltimore’s original expedition to Maryland. The Maryland Dove is a re-creation of a trade vessel from the late 17th century. It would have been used for trade between the colonies and, sometimes, with England and Europe.

A few times each year the Maryland Dove travels away from St. Mary’s City for outreach visits to other ports. Please check the HSMC Events schedule for details if touring the ship is an important part of your visit.