Leading up to the 250th Anniversary of July 4, we're taking time to publish stories about the history of Catholicism in the United States. Please enjoy this latest entry!
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, it is worth remembering the only Catholic who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Charles Carroll of Carrollton was one of the wealthiest men in the colonies, a passionate advocate for independence, and ultimately the last surviving signer of the Declaration. His story is closely tied to Maryland, making Annapolis a fitting stop on a Catholic American pilgrimage.
Charles Carroll of Carrollton: American Revolutionary
When Americans think about the Founding Fathers, they do not often think about Catholics. That is not entirely surprising. Catholics made up only a small portion of the colonial population, and their place in public life was not always secure.
Maryland had been founded in part as a refuge for Catholics, yet religious tensions and restrictions still found their way into the colony over time. Even so, Catholics helped shape the life of Maryland and, eventually, the new nation itself.
Charles Carroll stands as one of the clearest examples.
Educated in Europe and deeply committed to both his faith and his country, Carroll became one of the strongest supporters of American independence. Although Catholics faced various legal restrictions in colonial America, his intelligence, influence, and leadership made him an important voice in Maryland's political life.
When the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Carroll signed his name alongside fifty-five other delegates. He remains the only Catholic signer of the Declaration.
One of the most memorable stories associated with Carroll concerns his signature itself.
According to tradition, after he signed the Declaration, someone remarked that there were many Charles Carrolls in Maryland. If the Revolution failed, it might not be clear which Charles Carroll had committed treason against the British Crown.
Carroll reportedly solved the problem by adding two words:
"of Carrollton."
Carroll was willing to risk everything for the cause of independence, and he wanted there to be no doubt about where he stood. His story also reminds us that Catholicism was part of the American story from the beginning.
Long before the Revolution, Catholic missionaries had traveled to the colonies to preach the Gospel. Priests celebrated Mass in secret when necessary. Families passed the faith on to their children despite obstacles and uncertainty. The Catholic presence in America did not begin after the founding. It helped shape the founding itself.
Visitors to Annapolis can still explore that heritage today.
St. Mary's Parish, one of the oldest Catholic communities in Maryland, stands as a reminder of the faith that sustained generations of Maryland Catholics. It is set within the cobblestone streets, not far from the water. Walking through Annapolis offers an opportunity to reflect on the role Catholics played in the early history of the nation and on the sacrifices made to preserve both faith and freedom.
Annapolis is also home to the United States Naval Academy, one of the nation's five federal service academies. The city thus connects two important chapters of American history: the founding of the nation and the formation of those who continue to serve it today. Annapolis is a beautiful and wonderful place to visit
Another remarkable detail about Charles Carroll is that he was the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. Living until 1832, he witnessed the growth of the nation from a bold experiment into a flourishing republic.
Today, Catholics continue to leave their mark on American history, culture, and public life. Our St. Anthony "Losers" T-Shirt celebrates one of the Church's most beloved saints with a touch of humor and a reminder that following Christ has never been about fitting in with the crowd. Discover yours at the Catholic Company today!
