Episode 137

In January 1634 two ships, The Ark and The Dove landed on St. Clement Island in the Potomac River, within the new colony of Maryland. The two ships were built by George Calvert, the first Baron Baltimore, to help him establish a colony of his own in the Americas. And with his conversion to Catholicism, his new colony would be a haven for Catholics in the New World. But by the time King Charles I granted the charter for the new colony, George Calvert had died, and his son, Cecil, inherited his title, Lord Baltimore, plus The Ark and The Dove, and his father’s desire to establish the colony. King Charles named the new colony for his Catholic wife, Henrietta Marie. Cecil Calvert finally sent his two ships across the sea, but he could not go himself to establish his colonies. Instead, he sent his brother Leonard as the first governor of Maryland, with 140 settlers, including two priests. Shortly after landing they became friendly with neighboring tribes of Piscataway and Yoacamato natives, with the latter giving the new settlers their village to be their first city: St. Mary City, the first capital of the Colony of Maryland.

Follow to Get Episodes Automatically

And in your kindness, please leave a great rating and a review — those help more people to find American Catholic History!

Amazon MusicApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsOvercastPocketCastsRSSSpotifyStitcherTuneInYouTube

Support American Catholic History

Noëlle and Tom enjoy doing this work, but they can't do it without support!

Become a supporter of American Catholic History to keep this great Catholic content coming.

Locals logo

Over on Locals we host reading groups, post exclusive videos, chat sessions, and we share more content not available to the public. 

Join Our Locals Community

Patron Logo

Learn how you can sponsor the American Catholic History Podcast. Your name and information will be included in our episodes, plus more benefits. Get information at the SQPN website.

Become a Patron

Drop a Tip in Noëlle & Tom's Tip Jar

Putting these episodes together takes time. If you appreciate what you get, show Noëlle and Tom a little love through Venmo or Paypal.

Stay Connected

We'll share occasional updates about upcoming Pilgrimages, publications, show topics, catechetical resources, and more.

Please Send Me...

6 + 4 =

Most Recent