Background
The Province of Maryland was a proprietary colony founded in 1632. Religious tolerance was the main reason Maryland was ever founded. Lord Baltimore had founded the colony because of his rejection of settlement in Virginia, all for him just being Catholic. As a result of this, Maryland had one of the first religious tolerance laws. One of its principle settlements was Baltimore because of its easy access to the ocean. Located along the Mid-Atlantic coast, Maryland's abundant waterways and coasts on the Chesapeake and Atlantic provided colonists with fish and excellent agricultural lands.
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People
George Calvert sent to America to find refuge for English Catholics. He was accepted by King Charles I to have a large colony petition. After his death, Lord Baltimore's son was sent back to America and Maryland was colonized five weeks later. Maryland had become a refuge area as planned. Johns Hopkins was another important man to the colony. He was born in 1795 and had earned $7 million in order to fund a free hospital before his death. The creation of the hospital lead to the creation of a university which would be beneficial in the long run.
Religious Affiliations & Implications
Maryland had no official religion. However, Catholics still remaining in Anglican England were encouraged to leave for the new colony. Seventeenth century Catholics were heavily looked down upon and were considered the minority. The new opportunities in Maryland could offer refuge and potentially create a financial profit.
Economics
Tobacco, cotton, corn, vegetables, grain, fruit, and livestock help to keep a stable economy that provides for a colony. There was a huge slave population in Maryland which helped with the increase of sugar, rice, and indigo to sell for a profit. Crops from Maryland were traded for items such as shoes, lace, dishes, and tools.
Primary Source
George Calvert, founder of Maryland, desperately writes to King Charles I in order to address his greatest thanks to the King for the opportunity in the real world in hopes that the King will allow God's forgiveness for not being as prepared or forgiving.
Modern Connections
Johns Hopkins created a hospital and university which still stand today to represent one of the best medical schools in the United States.