The English Come to Maryland When Captain John Smith sailed into Chesapeake Bay in 1608, he laid claim to the land for England's King James I. Image by Janet W. Connor, courtesy of Historic St. Mary's City Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, who lived in England, was given the charter for the new colony of Maryland in 1632. This painting of Cecil Calvert is from the Maryland State Archives. In 1634, Leonard Calvert, Cecilius' brother, sailed from England to the colony of Maryland with a group of about 140 settlers. They traveled on two ships, the Ark and the Dove, with all of the supplies they would need for the new colony. Image by Janet W. Connor, courtesy of Historic St. Mary's City In November of 1633, the Ark and the Dove, crowded with more than three hundred people, left England for Maryland. Some were hopeful, others were afraid. Why did these men and women want to leave their homes and friends to cross the dangerous ocean? First, some wanted freedom of religion. In England, and in other countries, many people were treated unkindly because they did not go to the King's church. Another reason was that many poor Englishmen thought that they might make a comfortable living in the New World. Some of them promised to work several years for any rich man who would pay their fares across the ocean. There were a number of indentured servants aboard. Another reason some people came was just for adventure. Among these were a few soldiers and the sons of wealthy Englishmen. Here is a map of the route that they probably took as they sailed to the new world. Look over the map to see what you think of the route they took. Was it the shortest? Why do you think they went the way they did? Answer Question #2 on your Worksheet.