Omar Bennett
The United States Constitution was signed by 39 individuals, 55 of whom attended the Constitutional Convention. Some of the signers of the Constitution were war veterans, including George Washington, who was Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and is known as the Father of the Country. James McHenry, a signer from Maryland, served as a Major and military surgeon during the American Revolution under George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. Other signers with military experience include Jared Ingersoll, a prominent lawyer, and George Read, who served as vice president of Delaware and later as chief justice.
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What You'll Learn
- George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, was a war veteran and a signer of the US Constitution
- James McHenry, a Major and military surgeon during the American Revolution, also signed the Constitution
- William Paterson, who served in various legal positions during the American Revolution, was another veteran signer
- John Langdon, a wealthy merchant, served in the US Senate and signed the Constitution
- Nathaniel Gorham, a merchant, served in the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War and signed the Constitution
George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, was a war veteran and a signer of the US Constitution
In 1775, Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army, despite his limited experience in commanding large, conventional military forces. His leadership presence and fortitude were crucial in holding the American military together, ultimately leading them to victory at Yorktown and securing independence in 1781. Washington's role as Commander-in-Chief was significant, as it marked the beginning of a process to create a national military force, uniting the colonies under a common cause.
During the American Revolution, Washington's Continental Army faced significant challenges, including harsh winters and food shortages, which led to the mutiny of several Continental regiments. Despite these difficulties, Washington's leadership proved pivotal in the Battle of Princeton, where they defeated British troops and regained momentum. The Continental Army, under Washington's command, also played a crucial role in the Battle of Monmouth, striking the British army as it moved north from Philadelphia.
Washington's experience in commanding the Continental Army and his dedication to the patriot cause made him a key figure in the American Revolution. His military leadership and strategic decisions contributed to the ultimate victory and independence of the newly formed nation. As a respected leader and a veteran of war, Washington played a pivotal role in shaping the course of American history, both during the revolution and in the subsequent establishment of the nation through his signature on the US Constitution.
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James McHenry, a Major and military surgeon during the American Revolution, also signed the Constitution
James McHenry, born in Ireland in 1753, was a Major and military surgeon during the American Revolution. He received a classical education in Dublin before immigrating to Philadelphia in 1771. In the years leading up to the war, he studied medicine in Philadelphia under Dr. Benjamin Rush.
McHenry's dedication to his new country, the United States, led him to serve as a surgeon in the "American Continental Hospital" near Boston in 1775. The following year, he followed the Continental Army to New York. On August 10, 1776, he was appointed surgeon of the Fifth Pennsylvania Battalion, stationed at Fort Washington in New York.
During the war, McHenry served directly under George Washington, who would later become the first President of the United States. In November 1776, McHenry was captured along with over 2,800 soldiers when Fort Washington fell to the British. Despite his captivity, he continued to treat his wounded comrades, who were neglected by their British captors. He also informed General Washington of the poor conditions for prisoners-of-war in New York.
After being exchanged in March 1778, McHenry returned to duty as a senior surgeon at Valley Forge. However, he soon accepted Washington's invitation to join his staff as an assistant secretary, putting aside his medical role. He impressed Washington with his skills and abilities, as evidenced by a letter of recommendation written by the Commander-in-Chief himself at the end of the war.
Following the war, McHenry was elected to the Maryland state legislature and later appointed as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. He supported a strong central government but played a minor role in the Convention. Nonetheless, his meticulous note-taking during the proceedings was credited by historians. On September 17, 1787, he reluctantly signed the Constitution and later voted for its ratification by Maryland.
McHenry continued to hold various governmental positions, including serving as Washington's third Secretary of War from 1796 to 1797. He is credited with establishing the United States Department of the Navy and played a role in reorganizing the United States Army. McHenry remained in the cabinet during President John Adams's administration from 1797 to 1801. Today, he is commemorated through various namesakes, including Fort McHenry in Baltimore, which inspired the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
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William Paterson, who served in various legal positions during the American Revolution, was another veteran signer
Several signers of the US Constitution were war veterans, including James McHenry, who served as a major and military surgeon under George Washington during the American Revolution.
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John Langdon, a wealthy merchant, served in the US Senate and signed the Constitution
John Langdon, born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1741, was a wealthy merchant and shipowner. He attended a local grammar school run by a veteran of the 1745 Siege of Louisbourg and, after his primary education, he apprenticed himself to local naval merchants. By the age of 22, Langdon was a cargo ship captain, and he soon began acquiring his own merchant ships. During the Revolutionary War, he organised and financed an expedition against the British, participating in the Battle of Bennington and commanding his own company of volunteers at the Battles of Saratoga and Rhode Island.
Langdon was a member of the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1776, serving on its Marine Committee, which oversaw the beginnings of the Continental Navy. He resigned from the Congress in June 1776 to become an agent for the Continental naval forces, supervising the construction of several new warships. He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and was one of the signatories of the US Constitution. He was an ardent supporter of the drive to ratify the Constitution in New Hampshire, which occurred in 1788.
Langdon served in the US Senate from 1789 to 1801. He was the first president pro tempore of the Senate and also served in this role during the Second Congress. He was a follower of Thomas Jefferson but declined any national office. Langdon was also elected to two terms as president of New Hampshire, serving from 1785 to 1786 and again from 1788 to 1789. He was nominated as a candidate for vice president in 1812 but turned down the offer.
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Nathaniel Gorham, a merchant, served in the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War and signed the Constitution
Nathaniel Gorham, born in Boston, Massachusetts, was a merchant and politician who played a significant role in the early history of the United States. He was an American Founding Father, serving in various political positions during the Revolutionary War and the formation of the nation.
Gorham's political career began in 1771 when he became a member of the Massachusetts General Court (legislature). In 1774, he was elected to the Provincial Congress, serving until 1775. During this early period, he also served as a delegate from the Bay Colony to the Continental Congress, a precursor to the Department of Defense. In 1778, he joined the Board of War, reflecting his growing involvement in public affairs and the Revolutionary cause.
In the post-war period, Gorham continued to be active in politics. He was elected to the Continental Congress (also known as the Congress of the Confederation) in 1782 and served until 1783. He was re-elected to this position in 1785 and served until 1787. Notably, Gorham served as President of the Continental Congress from 1786 to 1787, a significant leadership role during this formative era.
Gorham's most enduring legacy, however, is his contribution to the creation of the United States Constitution. He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's foundational document. He served on the Committee of Detail, which was responsible for drafting the Constitution for final discussions. Gorham proposed important ideas, such as staggered terms for senators and the presidential appointment of judges, subject to Senate confirmation. On September 17, 1787, Nathaniel Gorham signed the United States Constitution, cementing his place in American history.
Following the Constitutional Convention, Gorham invested in a substantial tract of land in western New York State, but this venture ultimately left him bankrupt. Despite this setback, Gorham's contributions to the nation's founding and his role as a merchant and politician during the Revolutionary War era secure his legacy as one of America's Founding Fathers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, several of the signers of the US Constitution were war veterans. George Washington, for instance, was the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and is known as the "Father of the Country" for his role in the formation of the United States. Other war veterans include William Paterson, James McHenry, and Nathaniel Gorham.
39 out of 55 delegates signed the US Constitution.
Jonathan Dayton was the youngest signer at 26 years old.
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer at 81 years old.
Yes, Thomas FitzSimons and Daniel Carroll were the only Catholic signers of the US Constitution.
