The historic vessel, known as the Maryland Independence, got her start in Nova Scotia, Canada in January 1944.  She was built by the LeBlanc Shipbuilding Company in Weymouth and then sold for $3000.  She was not registered for use until October 1945 under the name of Nelvana II.  Her owners were Gordon Leitch of Upper Lakes and the St. Lawrence Transport Company located in Toronto, Canada.  At this point, she had 2 GM diesel 12 cylinder engines that were installed in 1949.  She also was reconditioned by J.J. Taylor, LTD in Toronto.

In 1951, her name was changed to Osceola and that remained until 1983, however, many ownership changes took place.  In October 1960, she was transferred to St. Johns Newfoundland registry for the Newfoundland Tractor and Equipment Company.  The in 1973, registry transfers went from Montreal to Toronto and owned in the name of Joan A. Molz.  She owned the vessel because her husband was American and could not own a Canadian registered vessel.  She now had 2 Volvo Penta 6 cylinder diesels with 614 horsepower.  Her name changed once again to The Lady Caladriel with the same registry number, but the ownership was transferred to the Rohan Contracting, Ltd of Toronto.  This company was owned by Mr. Herbert Moltz.

In May 1978, she was sold to the American owners and the Canadian registry was closed.  The new owners remained as the Rohan Contracting, Ltd., but registered in the United States.  In 1983, the ownership was transferred to Herbert Moltz of Annapolis, Maryland.  Mr. Moltz then sold her to a boat broker, Capital Boats, Ltd., and her name was changed again to Independence.

In 1986, Independence was sold to the State of Maryland as the governors’ ship and launched as Maryland Independence.  The State invested a substantial amount of money in refurbishments and engine work.  The ship was used to entertain foreign dignitaries and visitors of the State of Maryland.  She became very well known by local politicians and community leaders.

In December 2004, the State of Maryland decided to sell the Maryland Independence.  She was listed on eBay.  Paul W. Davies of Hagerstown, Maryland purchased her for recreation use.  He owned her until October 2006, when John Mabry III and Timothy Dauses purchased her.