| The Catholic religion in America experienced trials and triumphs while establishing its presence on the cultural and physical landscape of the United States. The evolution of Catholicism began with the founding of the colony of Maryland. In order to gain a sense of the Catholic experience in Maryland, studying a specific county allows extrapolation of conclusions to other counties. Harford County, Maryland, is such a county.;The Catholic presence, both culturally and physically, is manifested on the landscape and documents a process of development in Harford County, which contributes to a distinct Catholic landscape in the area. The development of the cultural landscape can be traced in the evolution of the physical landscape, i.e. the building of churches and worship centers.;Religious and political discrimination of colonial Catholics produced a landscape devoid of physical expressions of Catholicism. The achievement of religious freedom and political power resulted in bolder manifestations of a Catholic presence through the built environment. Catholic communities are thriving and now face the challenge of meeting the needs of the future while maintaining ties to the past. |
