The town was established in 1660 and was called Seymour Town in honor of John Seymour, Governor. But the hoopla didn’t start until 1708 when Seymour Town was designated the County Seat of St. Mary’s County. However, the town was renamed in 1728 in honor of the first colonial Governor, Leonard Calvert.
On Friday, May 16, Leonardtown celebrated its 300th anniversary as St. Mary’s County capital. The day was a joint celebration as the town also celebrated the opening of Leonardtown Wharf Public Park. After brief opening ceremonies and remarks by Mayor Norris and guests, the party started for real.
Before the band started, the Leonardtown Wharf project had the designers and contributors recognized in grand rope cutting ceremony. Then the band O’Neil Project cranked up the amps and entertained the large gathered crowd, most of whom where there for the free food.
The restaurants of Leonardtown brought in free food and fed the throng under a large tent at the newly dedicated Leonardtown Wharf Public Park.
St. Mary’s Deputies closed off the street and free shuttles carried people up and down the hill all afternoon. Not even a few clouds and a brief sprinkle could dampen the good time had by all.