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Independence Declared: The Statesmen:
In 1776, Maryland joined the twelve other British colonies to protest the unfairness of British rule. They sought the right to form their own republic of individual states separate from Britain. Their complaints were written down in the Declaration of Independence and proclaimed in Philadelphia on July 4th.
These four Marylanders signed that famous document.
Can you find their names on the document?
Portraits of three of them are handing in the picture galleries on this floor on the museum. Can you find them?
Whose picture is missing?
William Paca (1740-1799):
Born in Harford County and educated in Philadelphia, Annapolis, and London, William Paca practiced law before becoming a leader of the patriot cause. He signed the Declaration of Independence and then supported the Revolution by spending his own money to outfit Continental troops. After the war, Paca was elected governor of Maryland three times.
Charles Carroll of Carrollton (1737-1832):
Charles Carroll of Carrollton was born into a wealthy Catholic family who persuaded him to study law. Few patriots who signed the Declaration had more to lose than Carroll, who by 1776 may have been the richest man in the colonies. He served as a US Senator, then chose the Maryland senate as more important. In 1828, at age 91, he helped to begin the B&O Railroad. He was influential in public life and in business until the age of 95.
Samuel Chase (1741-1811):
Over six feet tall, Samuel Chase was a powerful speaker who vigorously opposed the Stamp Act and later sought Canadian help for the colonies in their struggle against Britain. After Americans ratified the new Constitution, Chase served in Congress. George Washington appointed him to the United States Supreme Court.
Thomas Stone (1743-1787):
As a young student, Thomas Stone rode ten miles on horseback each morning to attend school. This determination won him a good education and later a distinguished career as a lawyer. His service in the Maryland and federal governments often kept him away from Habre de Venture, his plantation in Charles County. |