Which colony was established as a refuge for English Catholics?

The establishment of Maryland as a refuge for English Catholics is rooted in the historical context of religious conflict in England during the 17th century. English Catholics faced discrimination and persecution, particularly under Protestant leadership, which prompted the need for a safe haven where they could practice their religion freely.

Founded in 1632 under the leadership of Cecil Calvert, known as Lord Baltimore, Maryland was specifically designed to be a place where Catholics could settle without fear of retribution. The colony's charter guaranteed religious toleration, which was unusual for the time, and aimed to create a diverse society where people of different faiths, including Protestants, could coexist. The Act of Toleration, passed in 1649, further emphasized Maryland's commitment to religious freedom and helped establish it as a significant location for Catholics in America.

In contrast, Virginia was primarily settled by Anglican colonists, Massachusetts by Puritans seeking to establish a strictly Protestant society, and Connecticut as a refuge for dissenters from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Thus, Maryland stands out specifically as the colony dedicated to providing a sanctuary for English Catholics.