Pioneers of Liberty and Rail: The Carrollton Family’s Impact on America
Celebrating Independence Day Through the Legacy of Charles Carroll of Carrollton and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
I have lived to my ninety-sixth year; I have enjoyed continued health, I have been blessed with great wealth, prosperity, and most of the good things which the world can bestow-public approbation, esteem, applause; but what I now look back on with the greatest satisfaction to myself is, that I have practiced the duties of my religion.
Charles Carroll of Carrollton1
Words 2,588 | Read Time 18 min | Enjoy
Foreword
Welcome to a unique perspective on the 4th of July, blending two of my favorite topics: the founding and railroad histories. In this exploration, we delve into the lives and contributions of the Carrollton family of Maryland, illuminating their pivotal role in shaping American history and their enduring impact on the ideals of liberty and independence. Through their journey—from colonial leaders and signatories of the Declaration of Independence to pioneers in economic development and infrastructure—this narrative offers a fresh lens on how their legacy continues to resonate in the fabric of our nation. Join us as we uncover the intertwined stories of courage, vision, and patriotism that define the Carrollton family’s unique perspective on America’s founding day while exploring their significant contributions to the early development of American railroads.
Introduction
The Carrollton family of Maryland is a testament to the complexities and contributions of early American colonial leaders. Emerging from English and Irish Catholic roots, the Carrolls, including Charles Carroll, the founder, his son Charles Carroll of Annapolis, and grandson Charles Carroll of Carrollton, wielded significant influence as planters, bankers, and economic and infrastructural development advocates. Despite their status as enslavers and the restrictions imposed upon Catholics in colonial society, they emerged as leaders of the American Revolution, staunchly supporting ideals of liberty and independence. Charles Carroll of Carrollton, notably the sole Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, exemplified this commitment, leaving an enduring legacy that extended beyond politics to include pivotal contributions to the development of early American railroads, such as the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which would significantly shape the nation’s transportation infrastructure.
The Carrollton Family
Charles Carroll of Carrollton’s journey into faith began with his birth in Annapolis, Maryland, on September 19, 1737. His grandfather, also named Charles Carroll, arrived in Maryland in 1688 as the appointed Attorney General by Charles Calvert, the Third Lord Baltimore.2 The elder Carroll, hailing from a prosperous Irish family and educated at London’s prestigious Inner Temple, encountered a province in turmoil upon his arrival. Protestant dissent against Maryland’s Catholic proprietary government, reminiscent of England’s Glorious Revolution, led by renegade Anglican priest John Coode, culminated in overthrowing Lord Baltimore and ending religious freedoms promised under the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649.
Calvert’s forward-thinking Charter of 1632 and its provisions for religious freedom were revoked in 1692, marking a turning point as Maryland’s Catholics faced discrimination and clergy were exiled. Early governance pioneered religious freedom, a legacy overshadowed by the renewed 1692 bigotry on both sides of the Atlantic. Third Lord Baltimore was stripped of his proprietary rights without due process, signaling a decline in religious tolerance in the New World.
Despite the religious setback, the Carrolls succeeded as great planters and private bankers, carefully increasing their wealth through moneylending. Additionally, they were commodity traders, land dealers, and investors in various industrial enterprises, showcasing their business acumen and foresight.
Even though they were forbidden to vote and hold office due to their religion and not allowed to practice their faith openly in Maryland, as ordered by London, the Catholic Carroll family took a deep interest in public affairs. Imperial authorities also forbade Maryland from honoring its founding vision of religious tolerance that was afforded to Protestants and Catholics. Despite these challenges, Carrollton’s unwavering support for the American Revolution and its founding ideas of liberty and freedom is a source of inspiration.
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a figure of immense significance in American history, is known for his unique role as the only Catholic signatory of the Declaration of Independence. His substantial contributions to the early United States testify to his influence. Carroll was one of the wealthiest men in the American colonies.
Early Life and Education
Charles Carroll of Carrollton was born into a prominent and affluent Maryland family. His father, Charles Carroll of Annapolis, sent him to France for his education. Carroll’s academic journey took him to the Jesuit College of St. Omer and the College of Louis the Grand in Paris, where he received a comprehensive education. He furthered his studies in law at the Inner Temple in London. Equipped with a well-rounded education, Carroll returned to Maryland in 1765, ready to manage his family’s extensive estates.
Political Career
Carroll of Carrollton, a man of wealth and influence, became involved in the political affairs of the colonies as tensions with Great Britain grew. Despite the risks associated with being a Catholic in a predominantly Protestant society, he emerged as a strong advocate for independence. Carroll of Carrollton used his wealth and influence to support the cause, writing newspaper articles under the pseudonym “First Citizen” that argued against British policies.
Declaration of Independence
In 1776, Carroll of Carrollton was elected to the Continental Congress. On August 2, 1776, he signed the Declaration of Independence, adding “of Carrollton” to his signature to distinguish himself from his relatives and to signify his commitment to the revolutionary cause. He was the last surviving signer of the Declaration, living until November 14, 1832.
During the American Revolutionary War, Carroll of Carrollton supported the cause of independence. He was a member of the Board of War and helped finance the war effort through substantial personal loans. His commitment to liberty and justice extended beyond the battlefield, as he advocated for the separation of church and state and religious tolerance.
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Post-Revolutionary Career
After the war, Carroll of Carrollton played a crucial role in shaping the new nation. He served in the Maryland State Senate and was a U.S. Senator from Maryland from 1789 to 1792. He was also instrumental in establishing the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, demonstrating his foresight in the importance of infrastructure and economic development. In the early 19th century, the United States underwent significant transportation infrastructure changes. Roads and canals were essential, but the burgeoning concept of railroads promised faster and more efficient transportation. Carroll of Carrollton, a visionary with a keen interest in economic development, recognized the potential of railroads to transform commerce and industry.
Personal Life
Charles Carroll of Carrollton was born in Annapolis, Maryland, on September 19, 1737. He married Mary Darnall in 1768, and they had seven children, though only three survived adulthood. His extensive estate, Carrollton Manor, remained in his family for generations. His life and career were marked by his unwavering dedication to his country and his belief in freedom and equality. Charles Carroll of Carrollton died on November 14, 1832, at 95, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the principles of liberty and justice. He is remembered not only for his wealth and influence but also for his commitment to the cause of American independence and his contributions to the early Republic.
Inheriting substantial land and wealth from his family made Carroll of Carrollton one of the richest men in the American colonies. His estates, including Carrollton Manor, were extensive and required significant labor to maintain and cultivate, primarily provided by enslaved African Americans. At the peak of his holdings, the Carroll family owned around 386 enslaved people who worked on his plantations, engaged in various agricultural activities, and performed domestic duties.
Like many founders, Carroll of Carrollton’s views on slavery were complex. He expressed reservations about the morality of slavery but did not take significant actions to free the family’s enslaved people or publicly challenge the institution. His primary concern was maintaining his economic interests and the profitability of his estates. Despite participation in the institution of slavery, Carroll of Carrollton supported the idea of gradual emancipation, indicating an acknowledgment of the issues inherent in slavery. Please see my essay, The Sin of Savery, for additional information.
Founding of the B&O Railroad
The idea for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) was conceived as a response to the economic competition between Baltimore and other port cities, particularly New York, benefiting from the newly completed Erie Canal. Baltimore’s business leaders sought to connect the city with the western states and ensure its commercial relevance. In 1827, prominent Baltimore merchants and bankers, including Carroll of Carrollton, met to discuss forming a railroad company. Despite being in his 90s, he enthusiastically supported the project. His involvement lent significant credibility and prestige to the venture.
Charter and Initial Steps
On February 28, 1827, the Maryland legislature granted the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company a charter. Carroll of Carrollton was named one of the original directors of the company. His role was not merely honorary; he actively partook in the planning and financing of the railroad.
Laying the First Stone
On July 4, 1828, the B&O Railroad held a grand ceremony to mark the beginning of construction. In a symbolic and historic act, Carroll of Carrollton laid the first stone for the railroad.
At 91, Charles Carroll of Carrollton delivered a speech expressing his hope that the railroad would enhance Baltimore’s prosperity and strengthen the states’ union. His words were prophetic, as the B&O Railroad played a crucial role in the economic development of the United States, facilitating the movement of goods and people and fostering westward expansion. Carroll of Carrollton did live to see the first “train,” the Pioneer (May 1830).
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Legacy
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad became one of America’s most successful and influential railroads. It spurred economic growth and innovation, setting the stage for the railroad networks that would later crisscross the nation.
Charles Carroll of Carrollton’s involvement in the B&O Railroad is a testament to his forward-thinking vision and commitment to his country’s economic progress. His participation in this groundbreaking project underscores his lasting legacy as an American independence and development champion. Carroll of Carrollton’s contribution to the railroad industry is an important chapter in his life, highlighting his role as a key figure in America’s early infrastructure advancements.
B&O Yesteryear and Today
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) was chartered in 1827 with the ambitious goal of connecting Baltimore to the Ohio River, fostering westward expansion, and competing with the Erie Canal. Construction began on July 4, 1828, marked by Charles Carroll of Carrollton laying the first stone. By 1830, the initial section from Baltimore to Ellicott’s Mills (now Ellicott City), Maryland, was operational. The line reached Harper’s Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia), in 1834 and Cumberland, Maryland, by 1842. The B&O made a significant milestone in 1852 by extending its reach to Wheeling, West Virginia, thus completing the first rail line from the Atlantic seaboard to the Midwest.
The B&O pioneered technological innovations throughout its early years, including introducing steam locomotives like the Tom Thumb, developed by Peter Cooper in 1830.
It also made advancements in rail infrastructure, signaling systems, and the development of the railroad telegraph system, enhancing communication and safety. The mid-19th century saw the B&O expand aggressively, extending its lines to major cities such as Cincinnati, St. Louis, Chicago, and Philadelphia. However, the railroad faced significant challenges, including competition from other major railroads and financial difficulties, leading to periods of receivership and reorganization.
In the early 20th century, the B&O continued modernizing, investing in new technologies, locomotives, and infrastructure improvements. It expanded its freight services and introduced new passenger services, including the famous Capitol Limited route - Washington, D.C., to Chicago. The B&O underwent several mergers and acquisitions throughout the century, consolidating its position in the industry. In 1963, the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) acquired a controlling interest in the B&O, forming the Chessie System along with the Western Maryland Railway (WM) in 1972. The Chessie System operated as a combined entity, streamlining operations and improving efficiency across its network.
The most significant merger occurred in 1980 when the Chessie System merged with the Seaboard Coast Line Industries to form CSX. It emerged as one of the largest and most comprehensive rail networks in the United States, integrating the B&O’s legacy into its operations. That merger marked the end of the B&O as an independent railroad, but its historic routes and influence remain vital to the American rail network.
The B&O Railroad’s pioneering spirit, technological advancements, and strategic expansions played a crucial role in the development of the American railroad industry. Its legacy continues in various museums and historical sites, including the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, which showcases the rich history and contributions of the railroad to American transportation. The history of the B&O highlights its importance in shaping the transportation landscape of the United States, leaving an enduring legacy in the rail industry.
Conclusion
The Carrollton family of Maryland exemplifies a blend of entrepreneurial vision, political leadership, and enduring commitment to American ideals. Emerging as prominent colonial founders, they navigated challenges of faith-based discrimination while becoming pivotal figures in the American Revolution. Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, symbolizes their legacy of advocating for liberty and justice. Beyond politics, his foresight in economic development reshaped American infrastructure by founding the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O). Laying the B&O’s foundation stone on July 4, 1828, Carroll of Carrollton’s vision for enhancing commerce and unity across states proved prophetic, cementing his role as a pioneer in the railroad industry. The B&O’s subsequent expansion and innovations underscore its transformative impact on American transportation, echoing Carroll of Carrollton’s commitment to progress and the nation’s enduring spirit of innovation. Today, the Carrollton family’s legacy resonates, honoring their contributions to shaping American history and infrastructure development. 📕
Bonus!
B&O locomotive photo by Frederick R. Smith, Philadelphia, PA - circa 1975:
Sources
Frederick R. Smith Library
African Founders: How Enslaved People Expanded American Ideals ~ David Hackett Fischer, 944 pages, Simon & Schuster, 2022
Spirits Of ’76: Catholic Inquiry ~ Donald D’Ella, 182 pages, Christendom Publications, 1983
The Great Railroad Revolution: The History of Trains in America ~ Christian Wolmar, 396 pages, PublicAffairs (Publisher), 2013
The Pagent of America: A Pictorial History of the United States Volume IV The March of Commerce ~ 361 pages, Oxford University Press, 1927
Online
Charles Carroll of Carrollton: Father of the Electoral College ~ Historyonthenet.com
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Age: 95 years and two months old at death on November 14, 1832
Maryland is named after Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I of England. The name "Maryland" honors her Catholic faith and was chosen by George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore and an early settler of the region.
Fascinating. I only knew a little of Charles Carroll, so this was most pleasing. Him and John Adams are my favorite founding fathers and Jefferson gets an honorary mention. Happy Independence Day!
That is quite the compliment! Godspeed Edwin.