Who was the founder of Maryland?

The founder of Maryland was Lord Baltimore, who was an important figure in establishing the colony. He received a charter from King Charles I of England in 1632, which granted him the authority to create a new settlement as a haven for English Catholics facing persecution. Lord Baltimore, whose full name was Cecil Calvert, envisioned Maryland as a place where individuals could practice their religion freely.

The importance of Lord Baltimore's vision is reflected in Maryland's early laws, which promoted religious tolerance. This foundational principle set Maryland apart from many other colonies at the time, where religion often played a significant role in governance and societal norms. Thus, Lord Baltimore is recognized not only for founding the colony but also for the ideals of liberty and tolerance that characterized its early development.