
Lord Baltimore
Lord Baltimore, originally named Cecil Calvert, was an English nobleman and the first Proprietor of the Maryland colony in North America, established in 1634. He was granted the land by King Charles I as a haven for English Catholics facing persecution. Baltimore envisioned Maryland as a place of religious tolerance, promoting coexistence among different faiths. His leadership and policies significantly shaped the colony's development, making it one of the first to advocate for religious freedom in America. His legacy continues to influence discussions about religious liberty and the rights of individuals in society.