As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, historians are revisiting a 1790 exchange between George Washington and John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop in the U.S. The correspondence, preserved in the Library of Congress, addressed whether Catholics—long viewed with suspicion under British rule—could become equal American citizens.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
The letter from Carroll to Washington, dated March 1790, sought reassurance about Catholics' place in the new republic. Washington’s response, part of his broader effort to connect with the nation, affirmed their inclusion. The original letter is housed in the George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Washington’s Nationwide Outreach
During his first year in office, Washington traveled extensively, engaging with religious and civic groups. Dr. Kevin Butterfield, acting chief of the Library of Congress Manuscript Division, noted that Washington prioritized direct interaction to demonstrate the government’s accessibility.
Catholic Inclusion in the Early Republic
Carroll’s letter followed the establishment of the Baltimore diocese in 1789, the nation’s first Catholic diocese. The exchange underscored the young republic’s commitment to religious pluralism, a theme historians highlight as America marks its 250th anniversary.
Historical Significance
Michael Breidenbach, dean of the Honors College at Ave Maria University, emphasized that the correspondence reflects broader efforts to integrate Catholics into American society, countering historical suspicions.
Preservation and Public Access
The letter is part of a collection of rare documents being displayed nationwide ahead of the 250th anniversary, including a traveling exhibit dubbed the 'Freedom Plane.'