I'd say, before about 1930 it was believed to be strictly Protestant nation. Catholicism was seen as un-American and dangerous, while not outright banned. Carro

I'd say, before about 1930 it was believed to be strictly Protestant nation. Catholicism was seen as un-American and dangerous, while not outright banned. Carrols - including the famous Charles Carrol of Carrolton, at one point the richest man in the U.S. - were the only Catholics among founding fathers and first senators, and in general there were few of them in the very early U.S. (XVIII century) and they were underrepresented in upper classes of society. A lot of hatred and discrimination to Irishmen ("Irish need not apply" times) was due to their Catholic faith. Joe Biden is only 2nd U.S. Catholic President ever.