The Maryland Colony was established in 1634 by the Calvert family, particularly Cecilius Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore. It was founded as a refuge for English Catholics facing persecution and aimed to promote religious tolerance. The colony's capital was St. Mary's City, which served as a center for trade and governance. Maryland's economy relied on tobacco farming, which became a significant cash crop. The colony implemented the Act of Toleration in 1649, granting freedom of worship to all Christians. This law helped shape Maryland's identity as a place of religious diversity in early America.