Birzer’s new book, “American Cicero: The Life of Charles Carroll,” explores the life and intellect of the Annapolis-born Carroll, who was the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. Birzer, associate professor of history at Hillsdale College, will sign copies of his book at the Catholic Information Center on 1501 K St. at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Who was Charles Carroll?
Charles Carroll was the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence. And he was in the first Senate.
What does Carroll have to teach Americans today?
He reminds us about the connection between virtue and a sound society, and he teaches us about religious tolerance in the best sense.
What kind of religious intolerance did he face?
Laws were set up against Roman Catholicism in Maryland. He stood strong and challenged the government where it was weak.
How did Catholicism play into his role as a founding father?
It was probably more his education that played a part. [But Catholicism did] give him a unique perspective on the meaning of humanity. … Being a minority did allow him to see things differently.
What other significant things did Carroll do?
He pushed for Maryland to declare independence. He also is generally regarded as the founder of the Maryland Senate. He was also in the Second Continental Congress and one of [George] Washington’s biggest supporters. He was one of the sponsors of the founding of Georgetown University.
What is the most mystifying thing about Carroll?
I never quite figured out his relationship with his wife. Maybe it was fine, but I never figured it out. … It would shed a lot of light on the aristocratic element of that time period and what family meant [in that period].
— Liz Essley
