Maryland was not founded as a place where Catholics could practice their religion freely. It was founded in 1634 by a group of English Catholics led by Lord Baltimore, but it was originally intended to be a refuge for Catholics from England, not a place where they could practice their religion freely. The first Catholic church in Maryland was not built until 1666, and even then, Catholics were still subject to many restrictions. It wasn't until 1776 that Maryland became a state and religious freedom was guaranteed for all citizens.