Early American Colonization timeline

In the early 1600s, the Pilgrims came to America in search of religious freedom because of the state church in England. They didn't want to have to be forced into one religion so they immigrated so they could practice their beliefs freely.

In 1632, Celcius Calvert founded the colony of Maryland. Back in England, Catholics were an oppressed minority because of the state church being Anglican. Some Catholic gentlemen did indeed come to the colony, but it's main goal ultimately failed when artisans (mostly Protestant) outnumbered the Catholics and they once again became the minority.

In 1681, many Quakers were considered criminals by the English government. This was because of their strict belief in equality, not even giving the king so much as a tip of a hat. However, one Quaker, William Penn, was owed a debt by the king through his father. The king gave him a large sum of land in America, and Penn made the land into the colony of Pennsylvania, where all people were welcome.

In the late 18th century, the Church was largely controlled by Massachusetts Puritans, a group that was very intolerable of any other beliefs. The Virginia Statues stated that all people should have the right to worship whoever whenever without facing prosecution. In time, the document was accepted by all 13 colonies, and religious freedom was introduced into America.