How Maryland Became a State

The state of Maryland has a long and storied history dating back to the 17th century. From its earliest days as a British colony to its eventual statehood, Maryland has played an important role in the development of the United States.

Early History of Maryland

Founding of Maryland

The founding of Maryland is a story that dates back to the early 1600s. In 1632, King Charles I of England granted a charter to Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, to establish a colony in the Chesapeake Bay region. This colony was to be known as the Province of Maryland and was to be a haven for English Catholics who were persecuted in England. Calvert and his family were Roman Catholics and wanted to create a place where they could practice their faith without fear of persecution. The charter also granted the Calverts a large amount of land, which included the entire Chesapeake Bay region.

Early colonial period

The early colonial period of Maryland was marked by a series of wars between the English and the Native Americans. The first of these wars was the Susquehannock War of 1644, which saw the English colonists and their Native American allies defeat the Susquehannock tribe. This victory allowed the English to gain control of the Chesapeake Bay region and solidify their presence in the area. In 1649, the Maryland Toleration Act was passed, which granted religious freedom to all Christians in the colony. This act was a major step forward for religious freedom in the colonies and helped to create a more tolerant atmosphere in the region. In 1658, the Maryland Assembly was established, which was the first representative government in the colonies. This assembly was responsible for passing laws and governing the colony. The early colonial period of Maryland was a time of growth and development for the colony and helped to lay the foundation for the state of Maryland.

The American Revolution

Maryland’s role in the Revolution

Maryland played a significant role in the American Revolution. Maryland was the seventh state to ratify the Articles of Confederation, which formed a unified government for the colonies. Maryland also provided troops and supplies to the Continental Army, and its citizens were among the most ardent supporters of the Revolution. Marylanders were some of the first to call for independence from Great Britain, and the state was an important center of revolutionary activity.

Maryland’s Declaration of Rights

Maryland was one of the first states to adopt a Declaration of Rights, which was written by John Dickinson and adopted in 1776. This document was an important precursor to the United States Constitution, and it established the basic rights of Marylanders. It declared that all people were born with certain inalienable rights, including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It also established the right to own property, the right to a jury trial, and the right to freedom of speech and religion. The Declaration of Rights was a major step forward for Maryland and the nation, and it set the stage for the state’s eventual adoption of the Constitution.

The Constitutional Convention

Maryland’s delegates to the convention

Maryland sent five delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. These delegates included Luther Martin, John Francis Mercer, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll, and James McHenry. Luther Martin was a lawyer and a former attorney general of Maryland. John Francis Mercer was a lawyer and a former governor of Maryland. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer was a lawyer and a former judge. Daniel Carroll was a planter and a former member of the Continental Congress. James McHenry was a doctor and a former member of the Continental Congress. All five of these delegates had a strong commitment to the Union and a desire to create a strong federal government.

Ratification of the Constitution

Maryland was the seventh state to ratify the Constitution on April 28, 1788. The ratification was not without controversy, however, as Maryland was the last state to ratify the Constitution. The debate in Maryland centered around the lack of a bill of rights, as well as the power of the federal government. Ultimately, the delegates agreed to ratify the Constitution with the understanding that a bill of rights would be added in the future. With Maryland’s ratification, the Constitution was officially adopted and the United States of America was born. The delegates from Maryland played a critical role in the ratification of the Constitution, and their efforts helped to ensure the success of the new nation.

Maryland’s Statehood

Maryland’s first constitution

Maryland's first constitution was written in 1776, just after the Revolutionary War began. It was written by a committee of delegates from the Maryland Convention. The document was a radical departure from the colonial government, as it declared the state to be a sovereign and independent state. The constitution provided for a bicameral legislature, with a House of Delegates and a Senate. It also provided for the election of a governor and other executive officers, as well as a judiciary. The constitution also provided for the establishment of a public school system, and the protection of civil liberties.

Maryland’s admission to the Union

After the Revolutionary War ended, the United States Congress passed the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which provided for the admission of new states into the Union. Maryland was one of the first states to be admitted, on April 28, 1788. The state was admitted with the same rights and privileges as the other states, and was given representation in the United States Congress. The state was also given the right to elect its own representatives to the Congress, and to elect its own senators. The state was also given the right to ratify the Constitution of the United States, and to become a full member of the Union. Maryland was the seventh state to join the Union, and it has remained a part of the United States ever since.