Pillory, Stocks, & Whipping Post - St. Mary's City MD
N 38° 11.191 W 076° 26.061
18S E 374384 N 4227481
The devices that were commonly used for punishment of early Maryland colonists are on display near the State House in historic St. Mary's City.
Waymark Code: WM7717
Location: Maryland, United States
Date Posted: 09/11/2009
Views: 10
In the early 1600s, Maryland's first settlers arrived on the shores of Maryland and established the colony of St. Mary's City. Through hard work and a thriving tobacco industry, it became a growing community.
Punishments for most crimes were designed for public humiliation since laborers were scarce. Only the most serious offenders were sentenced to death on the gallows. Common methods were public flogging at a whipping post, or being sentenced to sit in the stocks or stand in a pillory in front of the whole colony which could ruin a man's reputation.
A pillory, stock, and whipping post stand on the grounds of the reconstructed State House at Historic St. Mary's City.