In 1632, George Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore I, tried to get a land grant from the king. The land north of the Potomac river was his aim. This land was part of the Virginia colony. Calvert was the king`s advisor, he had recently converted to Roman Catholicism, and wanted to create a colony where Roman Catholics could live without fear of being persecuted. He wanted to be able to worship as he wanted.
Unfortunately, George Calvert died before King Charles was able to complete the charter. Because this was already completed, the land was given to George's son, Cecilius Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore II. The land was from the Delmarva penninsula to the source of the Potomac river. He named the land "Maryland" because of Queen Henrietta Maria. …