Dear Guests of Maryland,
Welcome to one of our countries’ original 13 colonies and the 7th State to ratify the Constitution of the United States. Here, Black, White and Red, immigrants and natives, merged to forge a unique identity.
The African American contribution to the formation and history of Maryland colors this region of mountains, country side and seashore as vividly as any rainbow the heavens ever painted. I encourage you to experience our distinctive landmarks and share in our many festivals and celebrations as you drive, sail or stroll through Maryland. Here encounter the legacy of Matthias De Sousa, one of the first African American immigrants to this province, who arrived as an indentured servant and became a member of the State General Assembly. Follow the footsteps taken by slaves as they fled bondage and the careers of their descendants who achieved greatness. Come journey through the land of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Thurgood Marshall and Billie Holliday.
Absorb African American history in western Maryland as you drive past NEGRO Mountain on U.S. Route 40 in Garrett County and feel the respect accorded a black servant who lost his life in defense of his master. As you enjoy Cumberland’s rustic downtown, recognize the stealth of the runaways who listened for the Emmanuel Episcopal Church sextant’s ‘all’s clear’ chime before racing out of canal waters to an underground tunnel and the safety of the 18th century house of worship.
While you sail along the Chesapeake Bay acknowledge the pounding hearts of Blacks who whispered dreams of freedom as they toiled in southern county plantations such as the Sotterly Plantation, built in 1717 in St. Mary’s County, where many original structures and a rare slave cabin still stand. Nod respectfully as you tie-down on the eastern shore counties of Talbot and Dorchester and imagine the energy of slaves and slaveholders alike when they realize in the mid 19th century that both Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman were born in their midst.
Hail the spirits of Blacks who thrived in the central counties of progressive Baltimore City, birthplace of Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall and jazz legend Billie Holliday. These free blacks survived the hardships of fieldwork on plantations such as Marietta and MontPelier in Prince George’s County, and breathlessly trekked north in hopes of reaching Canada as illustrated in Montgomery County’s Sandy Spring Slavery Museum. And settle in at the statue of my uncle, Alex Haley, in our state capital at the Annapolis city dock. Join the group of three bronzed children entranced by the story of Kunta Kinte and his family. Explore numerous sites such as the Banneker Douglass Museum and Twin Oaks the home of Frederick Douglass. Depart our robust state with stories of your own. Share them with your children, parents and friends, and by all means, come again.
Sincerely
Chris Haley
Director, the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland
For more information on African-American heritage:
Annapolis and Anne Arundel County
Capital Maryland Region
Southern Maryland Region
Western Maryland Region
