Caroline Eden facts for kids

Caroline Eden (born around 1737) was an important figure in the history of Maryland. She was the daughter of Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore. Her brother was Frederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore. Caroline married Sir Robert Eden. He was the very last colonial Governor of Maryland. She was also the mother of Sir Frederick Eden, 2nd Baronet.

Who Was Caroline Eden?

Caroline Eden was born in England around 1737. Her father was Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore. Her mother was Mary Janssen. Caroline had an older brother named Frederick Calvert. He became the 6th and final Baron Baltimore after their father passed away. She also had a sister, Louisa Calvert.

The Barons of Baltimore

The Barons Baltimore were like owners of the Maryland Colony. This was a British colony in America. They had a lot of power over the colony. They could collect taxes and set up courts. They also had the right to choose the governor.

Life During the American Revolution

On April 26, 1763, Caroline married Robert Eden. He was born in 1741. In 1769, Robert Eden was chosen to be the governor of Maryland. He would be the last governor of the colony before America became independent.

A Family Dispute Over Land

When Caroline's brother, Frederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore, died, the Maryland colony was supposed to go to his son, Henry Harford. Even though Henry was not born within marriage, many people in Maryland supported him. They even named Harford County, Maryland after him in 1773.

However, Governor Robert Eden disagreed with Henry Harford's claim. In 1774, he tried to get a part of the family's land for his wife, Caroline.

The Revolution Changes Everything

Before the English courts could decide who owned the land, the American Revolution began. This big war changed everything. Caroline Eden lost her claim to the land. Henry Harford eventually won his father's inheritance. The money from the Calvert family lands in Britain was given to Harford by a special law in 1780.

But then, in 1781, the new State of Maryland took all of Henry Harford's lands. The money from these lands helped pay for the new government and its army during the war. After the war, Henry Harford tried hard to get his land back or get paid for it, but he was not successful.

Caroline's Legacy

In 1773, a new area in Maryland was named in Caroline's honor. This area became Caroline County, Maryland. It was created from parts of Dorchester County and Queen Anne's County.