Maryland Province Properties

Introduction

History and Land Acquisition

From the earliest of exploration of the Potomac River in Southern Maryland by Captain John Smith to early Catholic leaders in the United States, permanent protection of 4,473+ acres, known as the Province properties, in St. Mary’s, Charles, and Cecil Counties and 19+ miles of Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay shoreline offers Marylanders a historical opportunity.

The majority of these properties have been in continuous ownership since 1638. These lands have direct importance to the earliest colonial settlement of the State of Maryland. Now we have the opportunity to safeguard the wildlife habitat, forestlands and water quality of the Chesapeake Bay on these ecologically and culturally significant properties.

Conservation of the Province properties will increase public access to the Chesapeake Bay as well as offer unique historical and environmental education opportunities as three of the parcels will serve as integral parts of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.