In 1634, a group of courageous voyagers traveled from their homes in England in pursuit of a new land. They landed on an island in the Potomac River with a prayer of thanks for their safe journey. St. Clement's Island is a landmark in the history of Maryland. It was here the adventurers took possession of the colony and the first Roman Catholic Mass in the English speaking colonies was offered. Today, St. Mary's County is home to the Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Major tenant commands include the Naval Air Systems Command Headquarters (NAVAIR), Naval Air Warfare Center-Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), and many other tenant activities known as leaders in aviation and advanced technology. Tackle the great outdoors or enjoy a bushel of crabs. By land or by sea, discover the best of the old and the new in St. Mary's County.