When people see a religious symbol, many people see different things. Some see a symbol of oppression while others see freedom of expression. This cross was created just after The Great Depression out of metal drums filled with concrete, local timber, corn-stalks, and stucco. It was raised on the first day of Lent, 1932, by local Catholics celebrating Maryland's 300th anniversary. For Catholics and other non-Protestants, escaping British rule meant freedom to practice their beliefs without persecution. This helped pave the way for tolerance of other beliefs and practices. Just across from #blackistonelighthouse on #stclementsisland is where the first Europeans settled in Maryland. According to the records I have seen, although perplexed and perhaps frightened initially, The Algonquian People and initial European Settlers were not hostile to one another and reached an accord without violence. #marylandhistory (at St. Clement's Island State Park)
