Charles Carroll, a member of a very wealthy Maryland family, was active in the political rebellion against Britain in the 1770s and was noteworthy as the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence. In the early 1800s, long after he had retired from active involvement in politics, he became a revered figure as a living link to the generation of the Founding Fathers.

Respected for his great intelligence as well as his vast wealth, Carroll would be visited at his estate in the Maryland countryside by those seeking to run for high political office.


And when the United States received a visit from the Marquis de Lafayette in 1824-25, the French hero of the American Revolution paid a visit to Carroll.

In the 1820s newspaper articles would mention that Carroll was one of the three surviving signers of the Declaration of Independence, along with former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. When Adams and Jefferson died on the same day, July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Carroll became the last living signer.

To distinguish himself from his father, who bore the same name, Carroll always signed his name "Charles Carroll of Carrollton." On the Declaration of Independence, his signature can be found with the other Maryland delegates, directly under the large signature of John Hancock.

Carroll was widely believed to be one of the wealthiest men in America. He possessed vast holdings of farm lands and owned hundreds of slaves who worked his estates in Maryland. He was also involved in various business ventures, including the creation of the pioneering Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

At the time of the America Revolution Carroll may have owned more slaves than anyone else in America. In the early 19th century he became involved in the American Colonization Society. For several years Carroll served as president of the organization, which sought to resettle African Americans in colonies created in Africa.

When Carroll died, on November 14, 1832, at the age of 95, he was mourned throughout the United States. Newspapers spoke highly of him, and his passing seemed to symbolize the passing of the revolutionary era.

Early Life of Charles Carroll

Charles Carroll was born September 19, 1737, in Annapolis, Maryland. His family had come to Maryland in the mid-1600s, and were originally Irish Catholics who had been driven from their land during English persecutions. In Maryland, a colony known for acceptance of Catholics, the Carroll family prospered, and by the time Charles was born they were wealthy landowners.

In 1748, at the age of 11, Charles Carroll was sent to France, where he studied in a Jesuit school for six years. Following that, he attended other schools in Europe, and then studied law in London. He finally returned to America in 1765.

The astoundingly well-educated Carroll had arrived back in America just before discontent with British rule would lead to the American Revolution.  Carroll became directly involved in 1773 by writing newspaper editorials advocating for American liberty, and his writings, published under the byline "The First Citizen," gained a following and earned Carroll a reputation.

Revolutionary Period

Carroll became a member of the committee of correspondence, and in 1776 he was a member of the Continental Congress. He was the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence, and it was generally assumed that he was also the wealthiest person to sign it.

He served in administrative posts during the Revolutionary War and was also active in Maryland politics following the war. After the ratification of the Constitution, he was elected a senator from Maryland, and served until 1800.

A devoted member of the Federalist Party, Carroll was politically exiled as the Federalists fell from power. He retired to his enormous estate in the Maryland countryside and concentrated on his business interests.

Charles Carroll as a Symbol of American Patriotism

Respected for his extensive learning, Carroll was often called upon by political figures, though he did not actively serve in any political posts following his retirement from the U.S. Senate. Prominent travelers passing through Maryland would routinely call upon him. And prominent politicians, including Henry Clay, would make it known that they had sought his counsel.

After Carroll died, on November 14, 1832, at his son's house in Baltimore, the city held an enormous funeral for him. Thousands lined the streets, and newspaper accounts described the procession, which included many government officials and military units. He was buried at his estate in Maryland.