Mary Dyer

Mary Dyer (c. 1611–1660) was an English woman who became a notable figure in American history for her unwavering commitment to religious freedom. She was a Quaker who faced persecution in the 17th century for her beliefs and her refusal to accept laws that enforced religious conformity. Despite multiple imprisonments and bans, Dyer persisted in advocating for religious liberty. Ultimately, she was executed in Boston for defying a law that prohibited Quakers from practicing their faith openly. Her resistance made her a symbol of the fight for religious freedom and individual conscience in colonial America.