The Founding Fathers
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention On February 21, 1787, the Continental Congress resolved that:
...it is expedient that on the second Monday in May next a Convention of delegates who shall have been appointed by the several States be held at Philladelphia for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation...
The original states, except Rhode Island, collectively appointed 70 individuals to the Constitutional Convention, but a number did not accept or could not attend. Those who did not attend included Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Samuel Adams and, John Hancock.
In all, 55 delegates attended the Constitutional Convention sessions, but only 39 actually signed the Constitution. The delegates ranged in age from Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, to Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, who was so infirm that he had to be carried to sessions in a sedan chair.
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For brief biographies of each of the Founding Fathers who were delegates to the Constitutional Convention, select the names or the states below.
(* indicates delegates who did not sign the Constitution)
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| Assembly Room, Pennsylvania State House, later named Independence Hall, meeting place of Congress learn more... | |
| The Scene at the Signing of the Constitution, oil painting (reproduction) by Howard Chandler Christy, 1940 learn more... | |
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