| Room 1: Immigrants in Maryland
Beginning with the first European settlement in 1634, successive waves
of immigrants combined with an established Native American community to
create Maryland’s ethnically diverse population. Over the years,
people came to this state for many reasons. Some came searching religious
freedom or economic opportunities; others came escaping famine or political
unrest. Most immigrants came of their own accord and with high expectations,
yet others were brought here in bondage and remained so.
Immigrants brought with them the knowledge of their native country’s
language, crafts, religion, and technology. Some people chose to
retain their native identity, living and working in communities comprising
families of the same ethnicity, while other immigrants sought to shed their
native culture. A lack of religious and cultural tolerance, as well
as political and economic circumstances, often created tension and rivalries
between communities, fostering prejudice and violence.
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