in this video: The foundation of Maryland in 1634 can be attributed to the efforts of Sir George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, and his son Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. The Calverts were a prominent English Catholic family, and they sought to establish a colony in North America where Catholics could practice their faith freely and enjoy religious tolerance. In 1632, King Charles I granted a charter to Cecilius Calvert for the territory north of the Potomac River, which would become the colony of Maryland. The charter was named after Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I. Sir George Calvert had initially sought a charter for a colony in Newfoundland, but due to the harsh climate and other challenges, he turned his attention to the Chesapeake Bay region. Unfortunately, Sir George Calvert died in 1632 before the charter was officially granted, so the responsibility for establishing the colony fell to his son Cecilius. Cecilius Calvert sent his younger brother, Leonard Calvert, as the first governor of the colony. In March 1634, two ships, the Ark and the Dove, arrived in the Chesapeake Bay, carrying the first group of settlers. The group included both Catholics and Protestants, reflecting Lord Baltimore's commitment to religious tolerance in the colony. The colonists landed on St. Clement's Island in the Potomac River on March 25, 1634, and they celebrated a Mass to mark the occasion. This event is often considered the founding moment of the Maryland colony. The settlers later moved to a more permanent location, where they established the town of St. Mary's in 1634. Maryland's early colonial history was characterized by relative religious tolerance, which was enshrined in the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649. However, over time, tensions arose between Catholics and Protestants, and the colony went through periods of religious and political turmoil. Despite the challenges, Maryland continued to grow and develop as a colony, contributing to the diverse tapestry of the American colonial experience. The principles of religious freedom and tolerance laid the foundation for Maryland's unique role in shaping the early history of the United States.