Maryland in the Colonial Period
Maryland was one of the thirteen original British colonies in North America. It was founded in 1632 by George Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore, as a refuge for English Catholics seeking religious freedom. The colony was named after Henrietta Maria of France, the wife of King Charles I. Maryland quickly became a prosperous colony due to its fertile soil and natural resources, including timber, tobacco, and iron ore. It was also strategically located near the Chesapeake Bay, allowing for easy access to trade with other colonies and Europe.
Lord Baltimore: Founder of Maryland
George Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore, was the founder of Maryland. He was a Catholic nobleman who had been a member of the British government before converting to Catholicism. He was granted a charter by King Charles I to establish a colony where Catholics could practice their religion freely. Lord Baltimore died before the colony was established, but his son Cecilius Calvert carried on his father’s vision and became the first governor of Maryland.
William Paca: Signer of the Declaration of Independence
William Paca was a lawyer, planter, and politician who played a significant role in the American Revolution. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and served as a delegate to the Continental Congress. Paca also served as a governor of Maryland from 1782 to 1785 and helped to establish the Maryland State House.
Charles Carroll: Another Signer of the Declaration of Independence
Charles Carroll was a wealthy planter and lawyer who was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was the only Catholic signer of the document and was known for his support of religious freedom. Carroll also served as a senator in the new United States government and was a strong advocate for the Constitution.
Thomas Stone: One of Maryland’s Founding Fathers
Thomas Stone was a lawyer, planter, and politician who was one of Maryland’s Founding Fathers. He helped to draft the Maryland Constitution and was a delegate to the Continental Congress. Stone also signed the Declaration of Independence and served as a judge in Maryland.
John Hanson: First President of the United States in Congress Assembled
John Hanson was a planter and politician who served as the first president of the United States in Congress Assembled. He became president in 1781 and served until 1782. Hanson also helped to establish the Articles of Confederation and was a strong advocate for the new United States government.
Roger Taney: Chief Justice of the United States
Roger Taney was a lawyer and politician who served as the Chief Justice of the United States from 1836 to 1864. He was born in Maryland and served as the attorney general for the state before being appointed to the Supreme Court. Taney is best known for his decision in the Dred Scott case, which upheld slavery and sparked controversy and division in the country.
John Carroll: First Bishop of the United States
John Carroll was a Jesuit priest who became the first bishop of the United States. He was born in Maryland and played a key role in establishing the Catholic Church in the country. Carroll also helped to found Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic university in the United States.
Harriet Tubman: Abolitionist and Underground Railroad Conductor
Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist who was born into slavery in Maryland. She escaped slavery and became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping to lead hundreds of slaves to freedom. Tubman also served as a spy for the Union during the Civil War and was a strong advocate for women’s suffrage.
Frederick Douglass: Prominent Abolitionist and Writer
Frederick Douglass was an African American abolitionist, writer, and orator who was born into slavery in Maryland. He escaped slavery and became a prominent leader in the abolitionist movement, advocating for the end of slavery and equal rights for all. Douglass also published several autobiographies and was a strong advocate for education and political activism.
Samuel Chase: Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Supreme Court Justice
Samuel Chase was a lawyer, planter, and politician who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He also served as a Supreme Court justice from 1796 to 1811. Chase was known for his fiery personality and was the subject of an impeachment trial in 1805, which he ultimately survived.
Margaret Brent: Businesswoman and Landowner in Colonial Maryland
Margaret Brent was a businesswoman and landowner in colonial Maryland. She was known for her strong personality and ability to negotiate with men on equal footing. Brent also served as an attorney in the colony and was the first woman in North America to request the right to vote. Although her request was denied, Brent paved the way for future generations of women to fight for their rights.
