MARYLAND - Before Maryland became the 7th state to join the United States, it existed as a British colony known as the Province of Maryland. This period, from its founding in 1632 to its transition to statehood in 1776, is a fascinating chapter in Maryland's history, shaped by religious tolerance, economic growth, and a unique system of government. 
Maryland's Pre-Statehood Identity: The Province of Maryland
The story of Maryland begins with George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, who sought a charter from King Charles I to establish a colony in the New World. Calvert, a Catholic, envisioned a haven for religious freedom where Catholics and Protestants could coexist peacefully. After Calvert's death, the charter was granted to his son, Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, in 1632.
The Province Takes Shape
The Province of Maryland was officially named in honor of Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I. The first settlers arrived in 1634, led by Leonard Calvert, Cecilius's brother. They established the colony's first capital at St. Mary's City, located on the banks of the Potomac River.
A Haven for Religious Freedom
The Maryland Toleration Act passed in 1649, was a landmark legislation that granted religious freedom to all Christians within the colony. This act, a radical departure from the religious persecution prevalent in Europe at the time, attracted a diverse group of settlers to Maryland, including Catholics, Protestants, and Quakers.
Economic Growth and Development
The Province of Maryland prospered economically, thanks partly to its fertile soil, abundant waterways, and strategic location on the Chesapeake Bay. Tobacco became the colony's primary cash crop, and the port of Baltimore emerged as a significant center of trade and commerce.
Proprietary Rule
As Lord Proprietors, the Calvert family held considerable power over the colony. They appointed governors, enacted laws, and controlled the distribution of land. However, they also faced challenges, including conflicts with neighboring colonies and tensions with the growing Protestant population.
The Road to Revolution
As tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain escalated, Maryland joined the independence movement. In 1776, the Maryland Convention adopted the Maryland Declaration of Rights, which declared the colony's independence from British rule. This act paved the way for Maryland's participation in the American Revolution and eventual admission to the Union as the 7th state on April 28, 1788.
The Legacy of the Province of Maryland
The legacy of the Province of Maryland lives on in the state's commitment to religious freedom, its diverse population, and its rich cultural heritage. While its name and political status have evolved, the spirit of the early settlers who sought a haven for religious tolerance continues to shape Maryland's identity today.
