WASHINGTON – Very tall ships are coming to Solomons, Maryland this weekend and visitors will get to see them up close.
The Star- Spangled Spectacular commemorates the War of 1812 and the 200th anniversary of the largest naval battle in Maryland’s history, the Battle of St. Leonard’s Creek.
Five ships, all reproductions of 19th century vessels, will be on display. Sherrod Sturrock, deputy director at the Calvert Marine Museum, says the ships will be open for free tours on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m.
“People can go aboard the ship, talk to the crew and learn about history and sailing. The museum is open free. We’ve got a free shuttle taking people from one ship to the next,” Sturrock says.
One of the ships, the Kalmar Nyckel, is the kind of ship that would be used to bring people from Europe to America, he says.
Another, the Pride of Baltimore II, is most similar to the type of ship that was used in the War of 1812, “It’s an absolutely beautiful ship,” Sturrock says.
On Sunday, the ships will sail from Solomons up the Patuxent River to Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum where there will be a reenactment of the Battle of St. Leonard Creek.
Visitors can also purchase tickets to sail on some of the ships.
“Being out on these ships is just… I can’t even describe it. It’s like walking back into history,” Sturrock says.
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