Colonial Maryland's Seasons: Yes, Four Distinct Ones

Mid-Atlantic Climate Then and Now

Yes. Colonial Maryland (1634–1776) experienced the same four seasons as today—its latitude (~38–39°N) and geography (Chesapeake Bay, Piedmont, Appalachians) haven't changed.

Seasonal Rhythms Governing Colonial Life

• Spring (Mar–May): Planting tobacco, corn, wheat; shad runs; court days.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Heat, humidity, malaria risk; harvest hay, tend tobacco; county fairs.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Tobacco harvest/curing (critical cash crop); wheat planting; hog butchering.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, ice on Chesapeake; tool repair, spinning, woodcutting; legislative sessions (Annapolis).

Climate Nuances

• Coastal Plain: Milder, longer growing season (~200 days).
• Piedmont: Four distinct seasons, ~180-day season.
• Appalachian: Shorter, cooler, heavier snow.
• Little Ice Age (1600s–1800s): Colder winters, later springs than 20th C average.

Primary Sources

Diaries (William Faris, Annapolis silversmith; Philip Vickers Fithian, tutor), almanacs (Franklin's, local), ship logs confirm seasonal patterns familiar to modern Marylanders.