Jonah Patel
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was 81 years old when he signed the US Constitution in 1787. Franklin was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Treaty of Paris in 1783, and the US Constitution in 1787. He was in poor health during the signing of the Constitution and was rarely seen in public afterward until his death in 1790 at the age of 84.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age when he signed the Constitution | 82 years old |
| Year of signing the Constitution | 1787 |
| Other documents signed | Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Paris, Treaty of Alliance with France, peace with Britain |
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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin was 84 when he died in 1790
Benjamin Franklin was a leading Founding Father of the United States. He was 70 years old when he signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and 81 when he signed the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Franklin was in poor health when he signed the US Constitution in 1787, at the age of 84, and he rarely appeared in public after that. He died three years later, in 1790, at the age of 84.
Franklin's influence in the early history of the nation was so great that he was jokingly called "the only president of the United States who was never president of the United States." He earned the title of "The First American" for his early and passionate campaigning for colonial unity. He was also a prodigious inventor and a great philosopher.
Franklin's funeral was attended by approximately 20,000 people, after which he was buried in Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia. Upon learning of his death, the Constitutional Assembly in Revolutionary France entered into a three-day mourning period, and memorial services were held across the country.
Franklin's legacy has been honoured for over two centuries, with his face on the $100 bill, warships, towns, counties, educational institutions, and corporations named after him, and numerous cultural references. His more than 30,000 letters and documents have been collected in The Papers of Benjamin Franklin.
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He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States
Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when he signed the US Constitution in 1787. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and his influence in the early history of the nation was profound. Franklin's political career began in 1736 with his appointment as clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly. He served as an emissary and ambassador for many years, negotiating long-standing disputes and treaties, including the Treaty of Alliance with France in 1778 and the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Franklin also played a significant role in the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1776 and was the only person to sign all four of the following: the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris, peace with Britain, and the Constitution.
Franklin's influence extended beyond his political achievements. He earned the title "The First American" for his early and passionate campaigning for colonial unity. His scientific and inventive pursuits further solidified his legacy, and he is often referred to as "the most accomplished American of his age." Franklin's impact on the American ethos was so significant that he has been honoured for over two centuries after his death, including on the $100 bill and in the names of warships, towns, counties, educational institutions, and corporations.
Franklin's wisdom and moderation were valuable assets during the Constitutional Convention. Despite doubts about his public speaking skills and political prowess, Franklin's temperament and experience served him well. He supported the Constitution, recognising its imperfections but believing it to be the best option for a general government. Franklin's influence during the Convention extended beyond his signature on the document. He served as an unofficial host for delegates, opening his garden and offering refreshments.
Franklin's pervasive influence on the founding of the United States is undeniable. His political and diplomatic contributions, combined with his scientific and inventive achievements, have secured his legacy as one of the nation's most influential Founding Fathers. Franklin's impact on the early history of the United States helped shape the type of society America would become.
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Franklin was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence
Benjamin Franklin was 84 years old when he died in 1790. He was in poor health during the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, and he was rarely seen in public after that until his death.
Franklin is considered one of the leading Founding Fathers of the United States. He had a lengthy political career, serving as clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1736, representing Pennsylvania at the Albany Congress in 1754, and serving as the Deputy Post Master of Philadelphia from 1735 to 1753, among other roles. He was also a prolific inventor.
Franklin is the only person to have signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Treaty of Alliance with France in 1778, the Treaty of Paris in 1783, and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. His influence in the early history of the nation is pervasive, and he has been honoured for more than two centuries after his death, including on the $100 bill and in the names of warships, towns, counties, educational institutions, and corporations.
Franklin's signature on the Declaration of Independence is particularly significant because he was the only person to sign this document. The Declaration of Independence was a nation-changing document that marked the beginning of the American Revolution and the liberation of the colonies from British rule. Franklin's signature on this document symbolised his commitment to colonial unity and his belief in the creation of a new and independent nation.
Franklin's advanced age at the time of signing the Declaration of Independence also adds to the significance of his signature. At 70 years old, he was one of the oldest signatories, along with Thomas Jefferson (33) and John Hancock (39). Despite his age, Franklin remained actively involved in politics and diplomacy, serving as an emissary and ambassador for the colonies and the newly liberated nation. His experience and moderate temperament helped him navigate the complex political landscape and bring contending parties together.
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He was 70 when he signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776
Benjamin Franklin was 70 years old when he signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and the only person to have signed the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Paris, and the US Constitution. Franklin's influence in the early history of the nation was profound, and he earned the title "The First American" for his early and passionate campaigning for colonial unity.
Franklin's career in politics began with his appointment as clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1736. He served as an emissary and ambassador for many years, negotiating long-standing disputes with the Proprietors and serving the colonies. Franklin's moderate temperament and ability to bring contending parties together served him well during the Constitutional Convention. He also served as the Deputy Post Master of Philadelphia from 1735 to 1753 and as Deputy Post Master General of the Colonies from 1753 to 1774.
In addition to his political career, Franklin was a prolific inventor. He was self-taught and had a deep understanding of the operations of nature, which earned him the title of "the greatest philosopher of his age." He was also a publisher, and his more than 30,000 letters and documents have been collected in "The Papers of Benjamin Franklin."
At the Constitutional Convention, Franklin, despite his age, played a crucial role in the formation of the US Constitution. He served as an unofficial host for delegates, opening his garden to them and providing refreshments. Franklin's wisdom and experience were respected, and he was known for his engaging storytelling abilities. He supported the Constitution, recognising its potential to unite the States and form a strong federal government.
Benjamin Franklin's legacy is honoured in the US and beyond. His likeness adorns the $100 bill, and he has appeared on various other denominations of currency. Numerous places, institutions, and corporations bear his name, and he remains one of the most influential figures in American history.
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Franklin was in poor health when he signed the Constitution in 1787
Benjamin Franklin, one of the leading Founding Fathers of the United States, was 81 years old when he signed the US Constitution in 1787. Franklin was in poor health at the time, suffering from obesity and gout, which had plagued him throughout his middle and later years. His health issues worsened as he aged, and he was rarely seen in public after signing the Constitution.
Franklin's health problems did not, however, diminish his sharp mind. Despite his age and ailments, Franklin remained mentally agile, with an "activity of mind equal to a youth of 25 years of age." This was noted by an observer at the Constitutional Convention, where Franklin played a significant role despite his health issues.
Franklin's influence extended beyond the signing of the Constitution. He was the only person to sign all four of the following: the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Treaty of Alliance with France in 1778, the Treaty of Paris in 1783, and the US Constitution in 1787. This unique distinction underscores Franklin's pivotal role in the founding of the United States and its early history.
Franklin's political career began in 1736 when he was appointed clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly. He served in various political roles, including representing Pennsylvania at the Albany Congress in 1754 and negotiating the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Franklin's diplomatic skills and moderate temperament served him well, and he was an effective emissary and ambassador for the colonies and the newly formed nation.
Despite his declining health, Franklin's legacy as a statesman, scientist, and inventor remains enduring. He has been honoured on the $100 bill, in the names of warships, towns, counties, and educational institutions, and through numerous cultural references. Franklin's influence on the American ethos has been profound, and he is remembered as one of the most accomplished and influential figures in the nation's history.
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Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin was 82 years old when he signed the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
Benjamin Franklin was the only person to sign four foundational documents in U.S. history: the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Treaty of Alliance with France in 1778, the Treaty of Paris in 1783, and the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
Benjamin Franklin is considered one of the leading Founding Fathers of the United States. His influence in the early history of the nation earned him the title "The First American". Franklin's likeness has adorned U.S. currency, including the $100 bill, and he has been honoured in the names of warships, towns, counties, educational institutions, and corporations, as well as in numerous cultural references.
