America’s only Catholic colony, Maryland, was developed in the early 1630s by the Carrolls. In addition to being the first settlers in Maryland, this family was present for many significant moments in U.S. history. For example, Charles Carroll was the last signer of the Declaration of Independence to die. His cousin Daniel was one of only five men to have signed both the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution. Daniel’s brother was Father John Carroll who established Georgetown College (Georgetown University today) as the first Catholic university in the U.S. on January 23, 1789. Pictured is the statue of Father John displayed at the entrance of Georgetown University.
