Charles Carroll, also known as Charles Carroll of Carrollton, was born on September 19, 1737, in Annapolis, Maryland. He was the only child of Charles Carroll, a wealthy planter, and Elizabeth Brooke. The Carroll family was one of the most prominent and influential families in Maryland.
Carroll received his early education from Jesuit schools in Maryland before being sent to Europe to further his studies. He attended St. Omer in France and then spent several years studying at the College of St. Gregory in Douai, where he developed a deep interest in politics and law.
After completing his studies in Europe, Carroll traveled to London to study law at the Inner Temple. He was admitted to the English bar in 1759, making him one of the first American lawyers to be trained in England. His time in London provided him with a strong foundation in English law, which would prove invaluable in his later political career.
Upon returning to Maryland, Carroll became actively involved in politics. He served as a delegate to both the Congress of the Confederation and the Continental Congress, where he played a key role in drafting the Articles of Confederation and the Declaration of Independence. He was the sole Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, a fact that would shape his political career.
In 1789, Carroll was elected as Maryland's first United States Senator, a position he held until 1792. As a Federalist politician, he worked to promote the interests of Maryland and the newly formed United States. He was a strong advocate for religious freedom and the separation of church and state.
Carroll married Mary Darnall, and the couple had three children: Mary, Charles Jr., and Catherine. Despite his busy political career, Carroll remained dedicated to his family and was actively involved in their upbringing.
After his time in the Senate, Carroll continued to be involved in Maryland politics and remained a prominent figure in American society. He was a staunch supporter of the Federalist Party and continued to advocate for religious freedom and civil liberties.
Charles Carroll passed away on November 14, 1832, leaving behind a lasting impact on American history and politics. His contributions to the founding of the United States and his advocacy for religious freedom have secured his place as a key figure in the nation's history.