The People of St. Michaels

It's possible Italian Explorer Verrazano may have explored these peninsulas in 1524. Captain John Smith cruised this "delightsome land" during the summer of 1608. William Claiborne, the Virginia Secretary of State, a friend of John Smith, and later a pirate (Shomette), founded a trading post and settlement in 1631 just 10 miles from the current town of St. Michaels on the lee side of Kent Island across Eastern Bay. About thirty years later, the Calvert family (the Lords of Baltimore) supported settlements in Talbot County, named for the sister of Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, and wife of Sir Robert Talbot.

Frederick Augustus Bailey (later known as Frederick Douglass), famous abolitionist and later U.S. representative in Haiti, worked as a slave in and near St. Michaels before he escaped from slavery in the 1830's. Robert E. Lee slept in one of the local homes; presidents and statesmen from all over the globe vacationed on nearby Jefferson Island. James Michener lived here while researching and writing Chesapeake, Bill Veeck (as in "wreck") was a resident; Harold Baines (Chisox and Baltimore Orioles) was born in St. Michaels and has a home here.

Famous Figures in St. Michaels’ History

The people of Saint Michaels, Maryland, have made significant contributions to history. Frederick Augustus Bailey, later known as Frederick Douglass, one of America’s most famous abolitionists, worked as a slave in and near St. Michaels before escaping to freedom in the 1830s. His story is a testament to resilience and hope, much like the spirit of this historic town.

Notable visitors and residents have graced the town, including Robert E. Lee, who once slept in one of its local homes, and prominent figures such as James Michener, who lived here while writing Chesapeake. The legendary Bill Veeck, known for his influence in baseball, was a resident, and Harold Baines, a famous Major League Baseball player for the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles, was born in St. Michaels and still calls it home.