On March 27, 1634, English settlers established St. Mary’s City in what is now Maryland. It became the first major English settlement in the colony and served as its capital for many years. The colony was founded as a haven for English Catholics facing persecution at home. St. Mary’s City reflected early experiments in religious toleration among European settlers. The settlement’s growth and eventual decline mirror broader patterns in colonial development. Today, it is an important archaeological and historical site that offers insight into early American life.
