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Officials Lay Out
Beginning Steps
 A large community of Amish and Mennonite farmers came to St. Mary's in the 30's and 40's and have thrived, an example of more contemporary religious tolerance. St. Mary's County elected a Jew, Neal Myerberg, as States Attorney in 1978 and three times elected Larry Millison, also a Jew, as county commissioner in 1974, '78 and '82. |
  
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By Elizabeth D. Abraham LEONARDTOWN --- A 139 mile stretch of road bordering the Potomac River in St Mary’s County and Charles County is sought to be designated as a National Scenic Byway which commemorates the history of religious freedom and tolerance in Maryland. The prospective ‘Religious Freedom Byway’ which was originally declared a State Scenic Byway in 1999 starts at the northern end of Charles County and ends at Point Lookout. The two counties who are working in partnership with Lardner/Klein architectural firm believe that if the road becomes a National Scenic Byway, then there will be increased awareness of the road’s significance in terms of historical aspects. Teresa Wilson, the Historic Preservation Planner of the St. Mary’s County Department of Land Use and Growth Management said that the Religious Freedom Byway would help preserve some of Southern Maryland’s original character and beauty. Wilson also mentioned the historical stories of religious tolerance in Maryland and their interest to tourists. Wilson said that she hoped the road would illustrate the struggles colonists went through to obtain religious tolerance instead of “glossing over darker moments.” Some of the landmarks on the byway include St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, the first predominantly black church in St. Mary’s County and the reconstructed Maryland Statehouse in St. Mary’s City. In addition to historical recognition, Jim Klein of Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects also mentioned potential financial gains to the Board of St. Mary’s County Commissioners this past Tuesday. He said that if tourists intend to visit the landmarks, then profitable tourist marketing opportunities such as a Bed & Breakfast or tasteful diners would be needed. The project is anticipated to be designated in April of 2008 according to Klein. He said that if designation takes place, then it would take 1-2 more years before anything got started due to the necessity of applying for federal and state grants. The projected total cost will be approximately $150,400 dollars according to Klein. He said the payment would be an 80-20 split with 80 percent being paid by federal and state highway grants and 20 percent being paid by the two counties as well as the state tourism office. While waiting for the designation, an advisory committee will be formed to provide aid in the plans. The ‘Byway Committee’ will represent people who live and/or work along the byway as well as citizens who have a wide-ranging familiarity with the area’s history. The committee will be responsible for assisting in the planning stages and providing recommendations on how the plan should be put forth.
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