For America250, who was the only Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence?

For America250, Charles Carroll of Carrollton was the only Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Carroll was a wealthy Maryland planter and a major supporter of the patriot cause. Because Maryland’s colonial laws had restricted Catholics, his religious identity was historically significant in the revolutionary era. He joined the Continental Congress in 1776 and signed the Declaration on behalf of Maryland.

Carroll was also the last surviving signer of the Declaration. He lived until 1832, decades after independence and the creation of the federal government. His full name is often used to distinguish him from other members of the Carroll family, including Daniel Carroll, who was a later statesman but did not sign the Declaration.

The phrase “of Carrollton” refers to Carroll’s Maryland estate. His signature appears near the bottom of the document among the Maryland delegates.