Catholic Founding Father: Charles Carroll

Charles Carroll of Carrollton by Michael Laty

Declaration of Independence

When we think of the 4th of July, some of us think about more than cooking on the grill and watching fireworks. This is our nation’s birthday and marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Most people can remember the names of a few of the signers. They might recall John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Some might even remember that Benjamin Franklin signed the document. Some might even mistakenly think George Washington signed, but few will mention the name Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the sole Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence and the last of the signers to die.

Important Founder
Although few recall his name today, prior to his death in 1832, Charles Carroll was considered one of the most important founders of the United States. Carroll hailed from Maryland (yes, named after our Blessed Mother) and came from a wealthy Catholic family. Some historians credit Carroll for developing the concept of the Senate. Carroll was instrumental in legitimizing Catholicism during the early American Republic. Charles Carroll also served in the U.S. Senate and was an early opponent of slavery.

Archbishop Cousin
His cousin John Carroll, for whom he is often mistaken, was the Archbishop of Maryland. Charles Carroll was the last surviving signer when he died in 1832. The city of Carrollton, Maryland is named after him.

For more on Charles Carroll, I recommend reading American Cicero: The Life of Charles Carroll by Bradley J. Birzer or for a shorter read I recommend, Christopher Blosser’s post on The American Catholic.