Special Cargo Sails With 'Pride Of Baltimore II' Commemorating Maryland's History

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--Honoring past and present.

Today the Pride of Baltimore II set sail carrying some precious cargo

George Solis has the details behind the voyage honoring Maryland's history.

A symbol of Maryland's goodwill: the Pride of Baltimore II has a special trip ahead of it.

America's star-spangled ambassador gearing up for a maiden voyage in a sense, travelling with cargo- this cross-- honoring the state's history.

During this voyage the Pride of Baltimore II will carry a piece of history while on it's way to another.

The root of Pride II's sailing season begins this unique wooden cross.

The liberty tree cross crafted from the roots of a 600 year old Tulip Poplar tree that once stood at historic Saint John's College in Annapolis.

"It says that religious freedom is deeply rooted in the history, the life, the reality, and god willing the future of the State of Maryland," said Archbishop of Baltimore William Lori.

It's one of three crosses made from a tree that's been around since the state was founded.

A symbol of religious freedom well before it was ever written in to the constitution.

"With the world the way it is today people really need to remember that one of the greatest liberties that we have is freedom of thought," said Scott Watkins, Society of Colonial Wars in Maryland.

The cross is now on its way to Saint Mary's City to its new home at the oldest church in the state.

"It's not often that a vessel gets to carry more than just the story so now we have an artifact that represents a story," said Capt. Jan Miles.

The journey to St. Mary's is expected to take 17 hours.