MarylandMission

Maryland Mission is a historic site located in the state of Maryland, United States. It is situated on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, approximately 15 miles south of Annapolis. The mission was established in 1634 by the Catholic Church as part of their efforts to convert Native American tribes to Christianity. The site is notable for its well-preserved 17th-century architecture and its role in the early history of Maryland.

The mission was founded by the Catholic priest John Smith, who was sent by the Society of Jesus to establish a mission among the Piscataway tribe. The mission consisted of a church, a school, and a residence for the priests. The church, which is the oldest surviving Catholic church in the United States, was built using materials from a nearby English settlement that had been abandoned.

Maryland Mission is open to the public and offers visitors a glimpse into the early history of Maryland and the Catholic Church in the Americas. The site includes a museum that houses artifacts and documents related to the mission's history. Visitors can also explore the ruins of the mission's buildings and learn about the lives of the priests and Native Americans who lived there.

The mission is also an important site for environmental conservation. The surrounding area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and several species of waterfowl. The mission is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and is part of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission.