(bright patriotic music) [Narrator] In the New World, where Protestants were the majority, Founding Father Charles Carroll of Maryland was unique.

Catholics were largely denied the right to vote or hold political office in British colonies.

But Carroll's Catholic faith didn't stop him from advocating for American independence.

In 1773, using the pseudonym First Citizen, he published a series of letters opposing fees to hold office and warning against tyranny.

Carroll broke religious barriers in 1775 when he joined the anti-British Committee for Public Safety.

Then in 1776, he was elected Maryland's delegate for the Second Continental Congress.

And Charles wasn't the only trailblazer in the family.

Pope Pius VI appointed his cousin, Father John Carroll, as America's first Catholic bishop.

Charles Carroll was the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence.

He was also the last surviving Founder, passing away in 1832 at the age of 95.