Province of Maryland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Maryland Palatinate Province of Maryland
1632–1776
Top: Maryland Palatinate (1632–1654) Bottom: Province of Maryland (1634–1776) Coat of arms
Map of the Province of Maryland in 1776; many Palatines settled in Western Maryland.
Status	Proprietary Palatinate (1632–1654) Colony of England (1634–1707) Colony of Great Britain (1707–1776)
Capital	St. Mary's City (1634–1695) Annapolis (from 1695)
Common languages	English, Palatine German, Susquehannock, Nanticoke, Piscataway
Religion	Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism
Government	Proprietary colony
Royal Proprietor
• 1634–1675	Lord Baltimore, 2nd
• 1751–1771	Lord Baltimore, 6th
Proprietary Governor
• 1634–1647	Leonard Calvert
• 1769–1776	Robert Eden
Legislature	General Assembly (1634–1774) Annapolis Convention (1774–1776)
History
• Established	1632
• Disestablished	1776
Currency	Maryland pound
Succeeded by Maryland
Today part of	United States Maryland Washington, D.C.

The Province of Maryland was an English and later British colony in North America. It existed from 1634 until 1776. In 1776, Maryland joined the other Thirteen Colonies to fight for independence in the American Revolution against Great Britain. Maryland was the 13th state to sign the Articles of Confederation in 1781.

The colony started in 1632 as the Maryland Palatinate. This was a special type of colony given to a single owner, Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore. His father, George Calvert, wanted to create a safe place for Catholics in the New World. This was during a time of religious disagreements in Europe. Many German-speaking people, called Palatines, also moved to Maryland.

Maryland was one of the first English colonies to allow different Christian religions. However, there were often conflicts between Anglicans, Puritans, Catholics, and Quakers. In 1689, a rebellion led by John Coode removed the Catholic Lord Baltimore from power. The Baltimore family regained control in 1715 when Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore, publicly stated he was a Protestant.

Like the nearby colony of Virginia, Maryland's early towns grew along rivers leading to the Chesapeake Bay. The economy quickly focused on growing tobacco to sell in Europe. When tobacco prices dropped, the colony needed more workers for mixed farming. This led to an increase in indentured servitude and the forced labor of enslaved Africans.

Maryland played an important role in the events leading to the American Revolution. Its representatives signed the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. This marked the end of British rule in the colony.

Maryland's Beginnings in the 1600s

Maryland's Founding Charter

Queen Mary, the English queen for whom Maryland was named.

George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore, a Catholic, wanted to create a safe place for English Catholics in the New World. He had already tried to start a colony called "Avalon" in Newfoundland. He then convinced King Charles I of England to grant him land further south.

George Calvert passed away in 1632. The King then gave the land grant to George's son, Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore. On June 20, 1632, Cecil received the charter for Maryland. This made Maryland a proprietary colony, meaning he owned and governed it.

The King also had practical reasons for creating Maryland. He wanted to strengthen England's claims to land north of the Potomac River. This would help against the Dutch colony of New Netherland. The new colony was named after Queen Mary, King Charles I's Catholic wife.

Colonial Maryland was much larger than the state of Maryland today. Its original boundaries stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Potomac River. It also included parts of what is now Delaware.

Early Settlements and Life in Maryland

1975 reconstruction of Maryland Dove at St. Mary's City.

Lord Baltimore wanted Maryland to be a safe haven for Catholics. He also wanted to show that Catholics and Protestants could live together peacefully. He even issued the Maryland Toleration Act, a law about religious freedom.

The Calvert family encouraged both Catholic and Protestant settlers to come to Maryland. They offered generous land grants and promised religious tolerance. To attract more people, Maryland used the headright system. This gave settlers 50 acres of land for each person they brought to the colony. This included family members, indentured servants, or enslaved people.

The first settlers, about 200 people, sailed to Maryland on two ships, the Ark and the Dove. Most of these first settlers were Protestant. They landed on March 25, 1634, at St. Clement's Island. This day is still celebrated as "Maryland Day".

Lord Baltimore's younger brother, Leonard Calvert, led these first settlers. He became the first governor of the new colony. On St. Clement's Island, they raised a cross and held a religious service.

The Native Americans living in the area, like the Yaocomico Indians, were generally peaceful. They traded with the English settlers for metal tools. The Yaocomico taught the colonists how to grow local crops like corn, beans, and squash. They also showed them where to find food like clams and oysters.

The first main settlement was called "St. Mary's City". It was the capital for 60 years. In 1695, the capital moved north to Annapolis.

More settlers arrived, and the tobacco crops quickly made the colony profitable. However, diseases like malaria and typhoid were common. Life expectancy in Maryland was often shorter than in other colonies like New England.

Today, "Historic St. Mary's City" works to protect the remains of the original village. It also has reconstructed buildings. The colony remained under the control of the Lords Baltimore until 1775-1776. Then, it joined the American Revolution and became the independent U.S. State of Maryland.

Maryland's Relations with Native American Tribes

The founding of Maryland changed the trade between Virginia colonists and the Susquehannock tribe. This tribe lived in the Susquehanna River valley. After a raid in 1641, Maryland declared the Susquehannock "enemies."

Early military efforts against the Susquehannock were difficult for the English. The Susquehannock were strong warriors. In 1652, after being attacked by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), the Susquehannock made a peace treaty with Maryland. They gave up some land and restarted trade.

Later, Maryland formed an alliance with the Susquehannock against the Haudenosaunee. Maryland sent soldiers to help defend the Susquehannock town. Despite a smallpox outbreak, the Susquehannock successfully defended themselves in 1663.

By 1675, many years of war and disease had weakened the Susquehannock. They moved south into Maryland. They built a fort on Piscataway Creek. In July 1675, some Virginians mistakenly killed several Susquehannock. This led to more raids and conflict.

In September 1675, a large group of militia from Virginia and Maryland attacked the Susquehannock fort. Five Susquehannock leaders were killed during a meeting. The Susquehannock eventually escaped the siege.

Many Susquehannock fled to Virginia or joined other tribes like the Lenape. Some returned to the Susquehanna River but later merged with the Haudenosaunee.

Border Disputes with Neighboring Colonies

Maryland had several disagreements over its borders.

Disputes with Virginia

A new map of Virginia, Maryland, and the improved parts of Pennsylvania & New Jersey by Christopher Browne, 1685.

In 1631, William Claiborne, a Virginian, set up a trading post on Kent Island. This land was later included in Maryland's charter. Claiborne refused to recognize Lord Baltimore's ownership.

This led to small naval battles in 1635. In 1638, Governor Leonard Calvert captured Kent Island by force.

During the English Civil War, Claiborne led a Protestant uprising in Maryland in 1644. This period was called the "Plundering Time". Catholic Governor Calvert had to flee. The rebellion was put down in 1647.

Another conflict, the Battle of the Severn, happened in 1655. Protestants loyal to England's Parliament fought against those loyal to Lord Baltimore. The Protestants won. The border issues with Virginia were finally settled in 1657.

Disputes with Pennsylvania

Maryland also had a long border dispute with Pennsylvania. This led to a conflict called Cresap's War in the 1730s. Settlers from both colonies fought over land.

King George II stepped in to stop the fighting in 1738. The famous Mason–Dixon line was surveyed in 1767. This line finally set the border between Maryland and Pennsylvania.

How Maryland Was Governed

Proprietarial Rule: The Lord Baltimore's Power

Lord Baltimore owned all the land in Maryland directly from the King. He paid a small annual fee and a share of any gold or silver found. He had great power, like a mini-king in his colony.

He could set up courts, appoint judges, and create laws. He could also grant titles, build towns, and even declare war.

However, Maryland also had a General Assembly. This was like a local parliament where the people's voices could be heard. In 1639, a law was passed saying that assemblies had to be called at least every three years. This ensured that the colonists had a say in their government.

By 1660, most of Maryland's population was Protestant. But political power mostly stayed with the Catholic leaders. Many of these leaders were related to the Calvert family.

The Lords Baltimore: Maryland's Proprietors

The Calvert family were the proprietors, or owners, of Maryland.

• George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore (1579–1631): He first dreamed of a Catholic colony in North America. He passed away just before the charter for Maryland was officially granted.
• Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore (1605–1675): He inherited his father's dream and the charter in 1632. Cecil never traveled to Maryland himself. He stayed in England to manage political challenges. He sent his younger brother, Leonard, to govern the colony.
• Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore (1637–1715): He was the first Calvert to live in Maryland, arriving in 1661. He became governor in 1675. During his time, tobacco prices fell, causing economic problems. He left Maryland in 1684 for England and never returned. The Protestant Revolution of 1689 removed his family from power.
• Benedict Calvert, 4th Baron Baltimore (1679–1715): He understood that his family needed to become Protestant to regain control of Maryland. He converted to Anglicanism in 1713. He died only two months after his father in 1715.
• Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore (1699–1751): He was the great-grandson of King Charles II of England. Around 1715, he publicly declared he was a Protestant. King George I then returned control of Maryland to the Calvert family.
• Frederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore (1731–1771): He inherited the title and governorship in 1751. Frederick lived a life of luxury and never visited Maryland. He saw the colony mainly as a source of money. Governors appointed by him ruled Maryland. His personal life was often talked about, which added to unrest in the colony.

Frederick passed away in 1771. He left Maryland to his son, Henry Harford. However, the American Revolution began soon after. By 1776, Maryland was at war with Britain, and Henry Harford lost most of his colonial possessions.

Religious Life and Conflicts

The Maryland Toleration Act, passed in 1649.

Maryland was a pioneer in religious tolerance among the British colonies. However, there were often religious conflicts. These happened between Anglicans, Puritans, Catholics, and Quakers.

In 1644, a dispute led to armed conflict. This period, from 1644 to 1646, was called the "Plundering Time". It was a time of civil unrest made worse by the English Civil War.

In 1649, Maryland passed the Maryland Toleration Act. This law required religious tolerance for Christians who believed in the Holy Trinity. It was the first law of its kind in the English North American colonies. However, in 1654, Puritan forces took control of Maryland for a time.

Lord Baltimore noted that Maryland had many different Christian groups. He said it would be hard to make them all support ministers of a different faith.

By 1650, Maryland had 10 churches, including all 5 Catholic churches in the colonies. By 1776, the number of places of worship grew to 204. These included Episcopal, Catholic, Presbyterian, Quaker, Methodist, and Lutheran churches.

The Protestant Revolution of 1689

Col. Henry Darnall, Deputy Governor of Maryland and a Catholic.

In 1689, Maryland's Protestants, who were then the majority, revolted against the Catholic proprietary government. They were unhappy that Catholics, like Colonel Henry Darnall, held many powerful positions.

Colonel John Coode led an army of 700 Protestants. They defeated the proprietary army. Darnall later wrote that they surrendered to prevent more bloodshed. Coode's new government outlawed Catholicism. Darnall lost all his official roles.

However, Coode's government was not popular with everyone. In 1692, King William III of England appointed a royal governor. After this "Protestant Revolution", Catholics like Darnall had to hold secret religious services in their homes. In 1704, a law was passed to prevent Catholics from holding political office.

Interestingly, Darnall's great-grandson, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, became a very wealthy Catholic. He later signed the United States Declaration of Independence during the American Revolution. Religious freedom for Christians was established in Maryland's first constitution in 1776.

Plantations and Maryland's Economy

Tobacco was the main export crop in the colonial era. It required much hand labor, often from enslaved people.

Early settlements in Maryland grew along the rivers and waterways leading to the Chesapeake Bay. In the 1600s, most Marylanders lived on small farms. They grew fruits, vegetables, grains, and raised livestock.

The main crop, however, was tobacco. It quickly became the most important part of the colony's economy. Tobacco was even used as money. The colonial government had to pass a law requiring farmers to grow corn too, so people would have enough food.

Like Virginia, Maryland's economy relied heavily on tobacco. The demand for cheap labor to grow tobacco led to an increase in indentured servitude. It also led to the forced labor of enslaved Africans.

By 1730, there were public tobacco warehouses every fourteen miles. Ships from England would sail directly to these warehouses or plantations. They would pick up tobacco and deliver goods that planters had ordered.

Many independent farmers also worked the land. They rented from the proprietors or owned their farms. They focused on growing food for their families. Some Irish and Scottish immigrants made rye-whiskey to earn cash.

Maryland in the 1700s

Maryland Laws 1727.

Maryland grew into a plantation colony by the 1700s. The population increased from about 25,000 in 1700 to 130,000 by 1750. By 1755, about 40% of Maryland's population was Black, mostly enslaved people.

Maryland planters also used many indentured servants and people sent from Britain as a form of punishment. A network of rivers helped move farm products from inland areas to the coast for export. Baltimore, on the Patapsco River, became the second most important port in the southern colonies.

Dr. Alexander Hamilton, a Scottish doctor, lived and worked in Annapolis. His 1744 travel diary, Gentleman's Progress, gives a great look at colonial American life.

A French chaplain, Abbé Claude C. Robin, described the wealthy families in Maryland during the Revolutionary War. He noted their large homes, expensive furniture, fine horses, and enslaved workers.

The first printing press in Maryland arrived in 1765. It was brought by Nicholas Hasselbach. His equipment was later used to print Baltimore's first newspapers.

In the late colonial period, southern and eastern Maryland continued to grow tobacco. But northern and central Maryland started focusing more on wheat production. This helped towns like Frederick and the port city of Baltimore grow.

Maryland During the French and Indian War

Maryland was not directly involved in major battles during the French and Indian War. However, its closeness to Pennsylvania and Virginia meant Governor Horatio Sharpe had to prepare defenses. Maryland built Fort Frederick and other smaller forts to protect its border.

Throughout the war, Governor Sharpe and the Maryland Assembly struggled to get enough soldiers and money. This was because Lord Baltimore refused to have his properties taxed. The Assembly did not want to tax Marylanders if the proprietor was not taxed. This caused tension and limited Maryland's help in the war.

In 1756, Maryland raised £40,000 for the war. This money went towards soldiers, fort building, and supplies. War preparations often faced delays. A smallpox outbreak in Annapolis in 1756-1757 affected plans to raise funds. Governor Sharpe was frustrated with the Assembly and Marylanders who seemed unwilling to contribute.

Maryland formed a short alliance with the Cherokee Indians in 1757. The Cherokee helped Maryland's military efforts. However, this alliance ended as Britain's relationship with Native American tribes worsened. After the British captured Fort Duquesne in 1758, Maryland felt safer. The Assembly then cut funding for its defenses.

Maryland and the American Revolution

Up until the American Revolution, the Province of Maryland was one of only two colonies still owned by a proprietor (the other was Pennsylvania). Maryland declared its independence from Britain in 1776. Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, and Charles Carroll of Carrollton signed the United States Declaration of Independence for the colony.

During the debates over the Articles of Confederation in 1776–77, Maryland insisted that states with western land claims give them up to the new national government. In 1781, Maryland became the last state to ratify the Articles of Confederation. It accepted the United States Constitution more quickly, ratifying it on April 28, 1788.

In 1800, when the nation's capital moved from Philadelphia, Maryland gave up some of its territory. This land helped create the new federal capital city, Washington, D.C..

See also

In Spanish: Provincia de Maryland para niños

• List of colonial governors of Maryland
• Colonial families of Maryland
• History of Maryland
• History of slavery in Maryland
• Thomas Cresap
• Lord Baltimore penny
• Economic history of Colonial Maryland

Images for kids

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  Catholic church at St Mary's City.

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  Maryland Palatine relics.

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  Augustine Herrman's 1670 Map of Virginia and Maryland. The Susquehannock village appears at the far right of the map.

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  George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore.

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  Benedict Calvert, 4th Baron Baltimore.

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  Frederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore, the last Baron Baltimore.