State House

The earliest government business in Maryland took place in the colonial leaders' homes. Eventually, the house occupied by first governor, Leonard Calvert, was bought by the province of Maryland and became known as the Country's House. It served as the State House until a building specifically for that purpose was erected in 1676. Located in the colonial capital, the State House was where most central government business took place.

The large room on the lower floor was the Assembly Hall where the elected landowners gathered to enact legislation. Lord Baltimore had the power to enact new laws with the consent of the freemen, but many of Maryland's laws were based on or modeled after existing English laws. The second floor of the State House was where the Upper House of the Assembly met and the third floor was where weapons and ammunition for defense were stored.

The Assembly Hall in the State House was also where St. Mary's county court and the provincial (colonial) court met. The county court tried minor offenses against the public order, civil cases, actions to collect debts, etc. This court met every two months. When court was in session, large numbers of people came into the town and used the occasion to conduct other business, as well. Court days were also social times as participants learned the news of events beyond their immediate neighborhoods, discussed issues of general concern, and traded or bargained for goods or services. During the 17th century, ten counties in addition to St. Mary's were established in Maryland.