A recent study of St. Mary’s City, Maryland’s first colonial settlement, has uncovered compelling insights into the ancestry, social status, and lives of early settlers. Archaeologists and geneticists examined 49 skeletons buried between 1634 and 1730 at the Brick Chapel cemetery, revealing unexpected patterns of ancestry and social hierarchy in the early colony.
Among the most striking discoveries was an 8-year-old boy with majority African ancestry buried alongside European-ancestry individuals, challenging long-held assumptions about burial segregation in Colonial America.
The 8-Year-Old Boy: African Ancestry in a Colonial Cemetery
The young boy, who died sometime between 1667 and 1704, had 25%–30% European ancestry, indicating mixed heritage. Chemical analysis of isotopes in his skeleton confirmed he was born in America, and his burial followed English traditions: he was wrapped in a shroud and placed in a gable-lidded coffin.
This discovery is notable because it demonstrates that at least some children of African ancestry were buried in line with European customs, a practice previously thought rare in 17th-century Maryland (Harney et al., 2026).
Researchers highlighted the significance of this finding, noting that it suggests a more complex social dynamic regarding race and status in early colonial settlements.
Ancestry of Maryland’s Early Settlers
Analysis of the 49 skeletons revealed that the majority of settlers had genetic ties to Wales and western England, reflecting the origins of those who established St. Mary’s City in 1634. Archaeological evidence indicates that around 300 English settlers founded the town after fleeing religious persecution, building homes and churches such as the Brick Chapel by 1667.
Using DNA comparisons with 23andMe databases, researchers discovered that there are over 1.3 million living descendants of this early population, with the largest number of close relatives in Kentucky, a result of post-Revolution migration (Harney et al., 2026).
Identifying Prominent Colonial Figures
The study successfully identified two prominent Maryland governors buried in the cemetery:
| Individual | Position | Burial Details |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Greene | Second Colonial Governor of Maryland | Lead coffin, identified via DNA and genealogical records |
| Philip Calvert | Fifth Colonial Governor of Maryland | Lead coffin; first wife Anne Wolseley Calvert and infant son with second wife also interred in lead coffins |
Greene’s identification was particularly groundbreaking because it marks the first time ancient DNA was used to identify unknown individuals in a colonial context, without prior historical documentation (Harney et al., 2026).
Unusual Skeletons: Indentured Servants and the African Ancestry Child
Three skeletons stood out for their distinct characteristics:
- 8-year-old boy – majority African ancestry, buried in a coffin, possibly not enslaved
- Two young men – aged in their 20s, chemical signatures suggest recent Irish immigration, skeletons showed signs of heavy labor and poor health, not buried in coffins
The skeletal evidence of the two men aligns with profiles of indentured servants, who typically served 4–7 years in exchange for passage to the colonies, food, and shelter (Suranyi, 2026).
Indentured servants were often buried separately from European families, whereas enslaved people were frequently interred in isolated or unmarked graves. The boy’s burial in accordance with English customs suggests he may have been treated more like an indentured servant than a lifelong slave, reflecting the fluidity of bondage practices in the 17th century.
| Skeleton | Age at Death | Ancestry | Burial Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Young boy | 8 | Majority African, ~25–30% European | Gable-lidded coffin | Possibly not enslaved |
| Young man #1 | 20s | Irish immigrant | No coffin | Signs of heavy labor, poor health |
| Young man #2 | 20s | Irish immigrant | No coffin | Signs of heavy labor, poor health |
Archaeological Context of St. Mary’s City
St. Mary’s City was founded in 1634 as the capital of Maryland, intended as a refuge for Catholics escaping persecution in England. By 1667, settlers had constructed the Brick Chapel and a small surrounding settlement.
Over the past three decades, archaeological excavations uncovered dozens of colonial-era burials, including three rare lead coffins, providing insight into the settlement’s social hierarchy and burial customs.
Although historical records identified many prominent families, it remained unclear who exactly was buried in the chapel. Ancient DNA analysis has now clarified these identities, revealing both elite colonial figures and marginalized individuals interred in the same cemetery.
The Role of Ancient DNA in Historical Research
The study demonstrates the power of genetic research to fill gaps in historical records. According to David Reich, co-author and Harvard geneticist:
“While written records are extraordinarily rich, genetic data can still address gaps in that record and yield surprises.”
Ancient DNA allowed researchers to identify Thomas Greene and trace the ancestry of settlers to modern descendants, illustrating the intergenerational impact of colonial migration and settlement patterns.
This study provides a rich portrait of colonial Maryland, highlighting:
- The diverse ancestry of settlers, including African-derived individuals
- Evidence of indentured servitude and social stratification
- Insights into burial practices and the integration of children of African ancestry into European-style cemeteries
- Genetic links connecting colonial populations to modern descendants in Kentucky and beyond
By combining archaeology, historical research, and genetic analysis, the study not only clarifies the identities of prominent figures but also challenges assumptions about race, status, and social inclusion in early colonial America.
