Early Life and Education:
George Calvert, born around 1579 in Kiplin, Yorkshire, England, came from a prominent family. He received an excellent education, attending Oxford University and later embarking on a career as a Member of Parliament.
Political Career:
Calvert served as a Member of Parliament for several constituencies and gained prominence for his eloquence and diplomatic skills. He was knighted in 1617 and became Secretary of State for King James I in 1619.
Religious Beliefs and Conversion to Catholicism:
Raised as a Protestant, Calvert eventually converted to Catholicism, which was considered a controversial move during that time. His conversion led to his resignation as Secretary of State in 1625.
Establishment of the Maryland Colony:
Driven by his religious convictions and a desire for religious freedom, Calvert obtained a royal charter in 1632 from King Charles I for a new colony in the Americas, which he named "Maryland." The charter granted him proprietary rights over the land.
Inspiration behind "Maryland":
Calvert chose the name "Maryland" in honor of Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I. Although the colony was primarily intended as a refuge for Catholics, it was governed with religious tolerance and open to different faiths.
Death and Legacy:
Calvert died in 1632, shortly before the first group of colonists set sail for Maryland. His son, Cecil Calvert, the 2nd Baron Baltimore, inherited the charter and oversaw the successful establishment and growth of the Maryland colony.
George Calvert's vision for religious freedom and the founding of Maryland made a significant impact on the development of the United States and the principles of religious tolerance that the country was built upon.