History U.S. Catholic

Francis Patrick Kenrick was a diocesan priest from Ireland. He became the sixth bishop to head the entire Catholic church in the U.S. He reigned from 1851–1863.

Samuel Eccleston was a Sulpician priest from Maryland. He became the fifth bishop to head the entire Catholic church in the U.S. He reigned from 1834-1851.

James Whitfield was a Sulpician priest from England. He became the fourth bishop to head the entire Catholic church in the U.S. He reigned from 1828 to 1834.

Ambrose Maréchal was a Sulpician priest from France. He became the third bishop to head the entire Catholic church in the U.S. He reigned from 1817 to 1828.

Leonard Neale was a Jesuit priest from Maryland. He became the second bishop to head the entire Catholic church in the U.S. He reigned from 1815 to 1817.

John Carroll was a Jesuit priest from Maryland. He became the first bishop to head the entire Catholic church in the U.S. He reigned from 1789 to 1815.

Canada gains religious freedom. A Catholic named Charles Carroll debated political issues. A few Catholics had prominent roles in the Revolutionary War.

Catholics began to emigrate from England to the New World in the 1570s. They settled in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York. Here is their history.

From 1540 to 1616, Catholics from Spain explored the New Mexico region. Some missionary outreaches were launched. Here is their history.

From 1549 to 1763, the Kingdom of Spain sent Catholic missionaries to Florida. Here is their history.