The Maryland Colony

Children's Literature

Maryland stands out as one of the more unusual members of the original thirteen colonies. Founded by Catholics, Maryland became a colony based upon the precept of religious toleration. Over the years Maryland was at the center of critical events in American history. For example, Marylanders donated land along with Virginia to establish what was to become the District of Columbia. In the mid-18th century the surveyors Mason & Dixon completed an assessment of the border between Maryland and Pennsylvania and thereby established the boundary between the North and South. These and other details of Maryland history, are presented in this chapter of the "Our Thirteen Colonies" series. As in other books in this elementary level series the author of this illustrated text approaches the subject at hand by first tracing some of the earliest residents of what was to become Maryland. After detailing some history of the Native Americans who lived in Maryland, Jean Kinney Williams then turns to colonial history, Maryland's role in the Revolutionary War, and the march toward statehood. Eventually, in 1787, Maryland was to become the seventh state to ratify the Constitution. The history of that event as well as broader aspects of Maryland history is capably presented to younger readers. Those with an interest in Maryland history will receive a solid introduction in this little book. 2004, The Child's World, Ages 8 to 10.
— Greg M. Romaneck

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-Each book includes a clear, concise discussion of the Native Americans, exploration and settlement, Colonial life, events leading up to the Revolution, and the arguments in each colony's legislature about ratification of the Constitution. Maps, etchings, prints, portraits, and illustrations from state archives and other primary sources lend credibility to the texts. De Capua focuses on the history of the Virginia Colony and its important citizens who participated in the Continental Congresses and the Constitutional Conventions. Williams focuses on Maryland's needs as a Catholic colony. Williams does a better job of detailing the roles of women and slaves, telling the story of Benjamin Banneker and Margaret Brent, a colonist who became well known as an excellent property manager. Great for reports or as introductory reading before doing more extensive research.-Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.