In the early 1600s, English settlers who were predominantly Christian settled in Maryland. Under the leadership of Cecil Calvert, Maryland was meant to be a refuge for persecuted English Catholics and Protestants. The region was also comprised of immigrants who were in search of business and religious freedom. Other immigrants came to Maryland as slaves. In addition to the Christians, business-oriented people, and slaves, Native Americans were another group of people in the region. Native Americans were encouraged to convert to Christianity.

A majority of the British settlers went to Maryland for economic reasons. England had limited resources and wanted to become a superpower in Europe. Therefore, it had to venture into other territories in search of natural resources. Colonies like Maryland provided Britain with raw materials for the production of goods.