The story of Maryland's three southern counties is really the story of the beginnings of the state itself. On March 25, 1634, the first European settlers came to the area in hopes of finding religious freedom and economic opportunities, led by Leonard Calvert. Counties of Southern Maryland describes the early settlement and traces the region's history through the end of the twentieth century in the area that now comprises St. Mary's, Calvert, and Charles counties. This is the third book in a series about Maryland's counties that is designed for elementary school children studying their state. The authors approach each region of the state by introducing what is common to the counties, including their history, climate, geography, and wildlife. They describe the facets of each county that are unique its establishment, county seat, growth, government, major towns, churches and other religious organizations, schools, businesses, agriculture, and places of interest. Clever line drawings by M