Explore the Chesapeake

Historical marker location:

Aberdeen, Maryland

( Marker is on the Maryland House rest stop (Interstate 95 at milepost 82).)

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

Maryland was founded as a Catholic colony: Maryland was founded by the English nobleman George Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore, in 1632. He envisioned Maryland as a haven for Catholics who faced persecution in England at the time. The colony's first settlement, St. Mary's City, was established in 1634.