Jonah Patel
The first man to sign the US Constitution was George Washington, who was the president of the Convention. He was followed by the other delegates, grouped by states in progression from north to south.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | George Washington |
| Position | President of the Convention |
| Date | September 17, 1787 |
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What You'll Learn
George Washington was the first to sign the US Constitution
The state delegates approved the draft of the Constitution on September 15, 1787. The signing was set for the very next Monday. Jacob Shallus, the assistant clerk for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, agreed to engross (copy in a fine, clear hand) the document. Over the course of about 40 hours, he created an accurate transcription of the draft. He was paid $30 for his efforts. On September 17, the document was ready for signing. Thirty-nine of the 42 men present signed the Constitution. George Mason, Elbridge Gerry, and Edmund Randolph refused to sign because the Constitution lacked a bill of rights.
George Washington, a Virginia planter of moderate means, is known as the "Father of the Country" and "The Indispensable Man" for his role in the formation of the United States. As Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, he led the Americans to victory in the Revolutionary War.
The signing of the US Constitution was a significant event in the history of the United States. It established the country as a sovereign nation and set forth the principles and laws that would govern the new nation. Washington's signature on the document was a powerful symbol of his commitment to the country and its ideals.
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Benjamin Franklin was the oldest person to sign the US Constitution
George Washington was the first man to sign the US Constitution. Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest person to sign the document.
The signing of the US Constitution took place on September 17, 1787. Washington, as president of the Convention, signed first, followed by the other delegates, grouped by states in progression from north to south. Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest person to sign the Constitution. Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest.
Franklin was also the first signer to die, in April 1790, while James Madison was the last, dying in June 1836.
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Jonathan Dayton was the youngest person to sign the US Constitution
George Washington was the first man to sign the US Constitution. However, Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest person to sign the document.
The state delegates approved the draft of the Constitution on September 15, 1787, and the signing was set for the very next Monday. Jacob Shallus, the assistant clerk for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, engrossed (copied) the document in around 40 hours. He was paid $30 for his efforts. On September 17, the document was ready for signing.
George Washington, as president of the Convention, signed first, followed by the other delegates, grouped by states in progression from north to south. Washington signed near the right margin of the page, and when the delegates ran out of space they began a second column of signatures to the left.
Of the 74 delegates who were chosen, 55 attended and 39 signed. Several attendees left before the signing ceremony, and three of the 42 who remained refused to sign because the Constitution lacked a bill of rights.
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George Mason, Elbridge Gerry, and Edmund Randolph refused to sign
George Washington was the first man to sign the US Constitution. Washington, who was the president of the Convention, signed near the right margin of the page, and when the delegates ran out of space they began a second column of signatures to the left.
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Jacob Shallus engrossed the document
The first man to sign the US Constitution was George Washington, who signed the document on September 17, 1787. Washington was the president of the Convention and signed first, followed by the other delegates, grouped by states in progression from north to south.
The Constitution was approved by state delegates on September 15, 1787, and Shallus was given the job of creating a clear and accurate transcription of the draft. He worked quickly and efficiently to produce a final document that was ready for signing just two days later.
Shallus' transcription was so precise and well-executed that it has become a historic artefact in its own right. It is considered a masterpiece of calligraphy and an important record of the founding of the United States.
The signing of the Constitution was a significant moment in the history of the United States. Washington's signature, followed by those of the other delegates, represented a commitment to the principles and values outlined in the document. It was a pivotal step towards the formation of the country as we know it today.
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Frequently asked questions
George Washington was the first man to sign the Constitution.
He was the president of the Convention.
Thirty-nine of the 42 men present signed the Constitution.
George Mason, Elbridge Gerry and Edmund Randolph refused to sign because the Constitution lacked a bill of rights.
