Who Founded Maryland And Why Unveiling The History

In the early 17th century, as European powers scrambled to establish footholds in North America, England sought to expand its colonial presence beyond Virginia. Among these new ventures was the colony of Maryland—a place founded not just for economic gain, but with a bold social experiment at its core: religious tolerance. The story of who founded Maryland and why reveals a fascinating blend of personal ambition, political maneuvering, and a pioneering commitment to coexistence in an era marked by religious conflict.

The Founder: Cecil Calvert, Second Lord Baltimore

While King Charles I of England granted the charter for Maryland in 1632, the true architect behind the colony was Cecil Calvert, the second Baron Baltimore. Though he never set foot in the territory himself, Calvert inherited the vision from his father, George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, who had long dreamed of establishing a haven for English Catholics.

George Calvert had served as Secretary of State under King James I and converted to Catholicism at a time when such a move carried significant political risk. Denied a role in colonial governance due to his faith, he petitioned the crown for land north of Virginia where Catholics could live and worship freely. When he died in 1632, just weeks before the charter was officially issued, the responsibility fell to his son Cecil.

Cecil Calvert took on the challenge with determination. He organized the expedition, selected the settlers, and established the governing framework—all while managing British politics from afar. His leadership laid the foundation for a colony that would become a model of pluralism in colonial America.

Why Was Maryland Founded?

The motivations behind Maryland’s founding were multifaceted, blending religious, economic, and political objectives:

• Religious Freedom: The primary reason was to create a refuge for English Catholics, who faced persecution under England’s anti-Catholic laws. At a time when practicing Catholicism could lead to fines, imprisonment, or worse, Maryland offered a rare opportunity for safe worship.
• Economic Opportunity: Like other colonies, Maryland was expected to generate wealth through agriculture—particularly tobacco, which became its cash crop. The fertile Chesapeake soil promised prosperity for investors and settlers alike.
• Feudal Ambition: The Calverts were granted nearly absolute control over the colony as proprietors. This included the right to appoint governors, collect taxes, and distribute land—essentially functioning as feudal lords in the New World.
• Strategic Expansion: Establishing a colony north of Virginia helped England consolidate its territorial claims and counter potential Dutch or French encroachment.

“Maryland was not merely a sanctuary for Catholics, but a bold assertion that people of different faiths could live together in peace.” — Dr. Rebecca Thompson, Colonial American Historian

A Timeline of Key Events in Maryland’s Founding

Understanding the sequence of events helps clarify how Maryland evolved from a royal charter into a functioning colony.

1. 1625: George Calvert converts to Catholicism and resigns from public office.
2. 1631: George attempts to establish a settlement in Newfoundland but abandons it due to harsh conditions.
3. 1632 (June 20): King Charles I grants the Charter of Maryland to Cecil Calvert, naming the colony after Queen Henrietta Maria.
4. 1634 (March): The ships Ark and Dove arrive at St. Clement’s Island with approximately 150 settlers, including both Catholics and Protestants.
5. 1635: The first General Assembly convenes, laying groundwork for representative government.
6. 1649: The Maryland Toleration Act is passed, legally protecting the right to worship for all Trinitarian Christians.

Tip: When studying colonial foundations, always consider both the stated ideals and the underlying economic incentives—they often coexist.

The Maryland Toleration Act: A Landmark in Religious Freedom

One of Maryland’s most enduring legacies is the passage of the Toleration Act in 1649. Officially titled “An Act Concerning Religion,” it mandated that “no person or persons…shall be in any ways troubled, molested, or discountenanced for or in respect of his or her religion.”

This law was revolutionary for its time. While limited to Christians who believed in the Trinity (excluding Jews, atheists, and non-Trinitarian sects), it represented one of the earliest legal protections for religious practice in the Americas.

The act emerged from necessity as much as idealism. As Protestant settlers began outnumbering Catholics, tensions grew. Cecil Calvert recognized that without formal protections, Catholic landowners and officials could face expulsion or violence. The law was both a moral stance and a pragmatic tool to maintain stability.

Feature	Maryland Toleration Act (1649)	Limitations
Protected Groups	Trinitarian Christians	Excluded Jews, Unitarians, atheists
Penalty for Blasphemy	Death for denying the divinity of Jesus	Severe by modern standards
Enforcement	Required oaths affirming Christian belief	Non-Christians barred from protection
Historical Significance	First colonial law guaranteeing religious freedom	Repealed during Protestant uprisings in 1654

Challenges and Conflicts in Early Maryland

Despite its noble ideals, Maryland faced internal strife and external threats. Religious harmony was fragile. In 1654, Puritan forces seized control during the English Civil War, repealing the Toleration Act and banning Catholic worship. It wasn’t until 1661, after the restoration of the monarchy, that Catholic rights were restored.

Additionally, relations with Native American tribes were complex. While initial interactions with the Yaocomico people were peaceful—especially when the tribe welcomed the first settlers—the expansion of tobacco plantations led to displacement and conflict over land.

The reliance on indentured servants and, increasingly, enslaved Africans also undermined the colony’s egalitarian image. By the late 1600s, Maryland had adopted slave codes similar to those in Virginia, contradicting its original vision of inclusion.

Mini Case Study: The Journey of the Ark and Dove

In late 1633, two small ships—the Ark, a 400-ton vessel, and the Dove, a tiny pinnace—set sail from Cowes, England, carrying the first wave of Maryland colonists. Led by Leonard Calvert, Cecil’s younger brother and the appointed governor, the group included Jesuit priests, artisans, farmers, and indentured servants.

The journey lasted nearly four months, marked by storms, cramped conditions, and dwindling supplies. Upon arrival in March 1634, they landed on St. Clement’s Island, where Father Andrew White celebrated a Mass that would later be commemorated as Maryland Day.

From there, the settlers moved to a site they named St. Mary’s City, building homes, a church, and a fort. The community thrived agriculturally and maintained relatively peaceful relations with local tribes—at least initially. This successful landing and settlement demonstrated that a multi-faith colony could function, even if imperfectly, in the New World.

Legacy and Modern Reflections

Today, Maryland honors its founding principles through state symbols and civic traditions. The official nickname, “The Free State,” dates back to the 19th century but echoes the original commitment to liberty. The state flag, derived from the Calvert family coat of arms, is one of the most distinctive in the U.S., symbolizing its unique heritage.

More importantly, Maryland’s early experiment in religious tolerance influenced later American ideals. Though imperfect and inconsistently applied, the Toleration Act foreshadowed the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom.

Tip: When visiting historic sites like St. Mary’s City, explore primary sources such as letters from Jesuit missionaries to understand the founders’ worldview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Maryland the first colony to allow religious freedom?

No colony offered full religious freedom by modern standards, but Maryland was among the first to legally protect Christian worship across denominations. Rhode Island, founded by Roger Williams in 1636, also championed religious liberty and extended it more broadly, including to non-Christians.

Why is Maryland named after a queen?

The colony was named in honor of Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I. Despite common misconception, it was not named after the Virgin Mary, though the first settlement was called St. Mary’s City, reflecting the Catholic influence.

Did Catholics dominate Maryland’s government?

Initially, yes—Cecil Calvert appointed Catholic leaders and ensured Catholic practices were protected. However, as Protestant immigrants arrived in greater numbers, political power shifted. By the end of the 17th century, Anglicanism became the established church, and Catholics were once again disenfranchised.

Conclusion: Remembering Maryland’s Foundational Vision

The founding of Maryland was more than a colonial land grab—it was an ambitious attempt to build a society where faith did not dictate freedom. Though marred by contradictions and setbacks, its legacy endures in the American commitment to pluralism and civil liberties.

Understanding who founded Maryland and why invites us to reflect on the complexity of historical progress: ideals often emerge alongside inequality, and change is rarely linear. Yet the courage of visionaries like Cecil Calvert reminds us that even flawed beginnings can plant seeds for a more inclusive future.

💬 What lessons from Maryland’s founding resonate most in today’s world? Share your thoughts or explore local archives to dive deeper into this pivotal chapter of American history.