original_query: What is the significance of St. Mary's City in Maryland's history?
query: What is the significance of St. Mary's City in Maryland's history?
answer: St. Mary's City was Maryland's first European settlement and its first capital. It's significant for being the birthplace of religious freedom in the United States, with the colony founded as a haven for both Catholics and Protestants.  It's also an important archaeological site, revealing much about early colonial life.