Royal Governor William Stone (an Anglican), of the colony of Maryland, lends his assent to the Religious Toleration Act, guaranteeing Freedom of Religion to the large Catholic minority: “[N]oe [sic] person or persons whatsoever within this Province … shall from henceforth bee [sic] any waies [sic] troubled, Molested or discountenanced for or in respect of his or her religion. …” 

       Maryland was established by Cecilius Calvert, Lord Baltimore, as a refuge for Catholics fleeing religious persecution in England.  Later, Maryland also became a refuge for Puritans fleeing religious persecution in the colony of Virginia. 

       [restored 10/12/2024]