Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cecilius Calvert,
2nd Baron Baltimore |
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Painting of the Lord Baltimore (1910) by Florence MacKubin, painted after his death.
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| Governor of Newfoundland | |
| In office 1629–1632 |
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| Monarch | Charles I |
| Proprietor of the Maryland colony | |
| In office 1632–1675 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | August 8, 1605 Kent, England |
| Died | November 30, 1675 (aged 70) Middlesex, England |
| Spouse | Anne Arundel |
| Relations | Benedict Calvert, 4th Baron Baltimore (grandson) |
| Children | Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore |
| Alma mater | Trinity College |
| Occupation | laywer politician |
Cecilius Calvert (born August 8, 1605 – died November 30, 1675) was an important English nobleman. He is best known for starting the Maryland colony in America. This colony was part of the British colonies.
Cecilius Calvert was the first Proprietary Governor of Maryland. This meant he owned and governed the land. Before Maryland, he was also a governor for the Newfoundland Colony in what is now Canada.
His father, George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore, first planned to start these colonies. But George died before he could begin. So, Cecilius took over his father's plans.
Cecilius was a Roman Catholic. He managed the Maryland colony from his home in England. Maryland became famous for its religious toleration. This means people of different religions were accepted there. At that time, many people in England faced religious persecution. This meant they were treated badly because of their faith. Many Catholics moved to Maryland to find safety. Calvert was governor of Maryland for 42 years. He died in England when he was 70 years old. The city of Baltimore in Maryland is named after him.
Contents
Starting the Maryland Colony
Cecilius Calvert wanted to create a safe place for Catholics. In England, Catholics faced many challenges. They could not practice their religion freely. Calvert received a special land grant from King Charles I. This grant gave him the right to start a new colony.
He named the colony Maryland. It was named after Queen Henrietta Maria. She was the wife of King Charles I. Calvert sent settlers to Maryland in 1633. They sailed on two ships, the Ark and the Dove.
Early Days in Maryland
The first settlers arrived in Maryland in 1634. They landed near the Potomac River. They bought land from the Native Americans. They built a settlement called St. Mary's City. This was the first capital of Maryland.
Cecilius Calvert never actually visited Maryland himself. He managed the colony from England. He sent his younger brother, Leonard Calvert, to be the first governor on the ground. Leonard helped set up the colony.
Religious Freedom in Maryland
One of Calvert's most important ideas was religious freedom. He wanted Maryland to be a place where all Christians could live peacefully. This was very unusual for the time. Most colonies had one official religion.
In 1649, the Maryland Assembly passed the Maryland Toleration Act. This law protected the rights of Christians. It said that no Christian should be troubled for their beliefs. This act made Maryland a haven for many people. It attracted both Catholics and Protestants.
Challenges to Toleration
Even with the Toleration Act, Maryland faced challenges. There were times when religious tensions grew. Protestants became the majority in the colony. They sometimes tried to take away Catholic rights.
However, Cecilius Calvert worked hard to keep his vision alive. He wanted Maryland to remain a place of peace. He believed that religious freedom was important for the colony to grow.
Calvert's Legacy
Cecilius Calvert was a powerful and smart leader. He helped Maryland become a successful colony. He made sure it had a strong government. He also encouraged trade and farming.
His work laid the foundation for Maryland's future. The idea of religious freedom he promoted was very advanced. It influenced later ideas about human rights.
When Cecilius Calvert died in 1675, his son took over. His son was Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore. The Calvert family continued to govern Maryland for many years.
Today, Cecilius Calvert is remembered as a founder of Maryland. He is also remembered for his commitment to religious freedom. The city of Baltimore and Calvert County are named in his honor.
Images for kids
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Modern reconstruction of Dove, one of the two ships that carried settlers to plant Lord Baltimore's first settlement in Maryland in 1634.
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Leonard Calvert, Lord Baltimore's younger brother and the first governor of the Maryland colony.
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Maryland Toleration Act, passed in 1649.
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Cecil's son and heir, The 3rd Baron Baltimore.
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The 2nd Baron Baltimore is portrayed on the 1934 Maryland Tercentenary half dollar, designed by Hans Schuler
See also
In Spanish: Cecilius Calvert para niños
