How Young Were America’s Founding Fathers In 1776?
The age of politicians has become a contentious topic in America today. Surprisingly, many people are unaware that several of the founding fathers were quite young. In fact, James Monroe was still a teenager at the time.
The average age of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was 44, and over a dozen of them were 35 years old or younger. So, just how young were these founding fathers? Let’s explore their ages as of July 4, 1776.
James Monroe
James Monroe was only a teenager on July 4, 1776! He was a mere 18 years old, to be exact. Monroe would later become the fifth President of the United States of America. His presidency is known as an era of relative peace and expansion, often called the “Era of Good Feelings,” characterized by economic prosperity and the Monroe Doctrine.
Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr was 20 years old on July 4, 1776. He would later become Vice President of the United States. During a duel in 1804, he killed founder Alexander Hamilton. In 1807, Burr was charged with conspiracy.
Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton was just 25 years old on July 4, 1776. Hamilton was America’s first secretary of the treasury. He was killed by Aaron Burr during a duel in 1804. Alexander Hamilton was a proponent of a strong central government, advocating for a national bank, a standing army, and centralized policies to promote economic growth and stability.
James Madison
On July 4, 1776, James Madison was 25 years old. He’s considered the “Father of the Constitution” and was a future President. He advocated the idea of a balanced government with checks and balances.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr. was 26 years old on July 4, 1776. Though not as popular as some of the others on this list, he was still a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He hailed from South Carolina and died at the age of 30. He served only a year in Congress and was sick most of that time.
Edward Rutledge
Edward Rutledge was 26 years old on July 4, 1776. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was known for his speech skills and played a crucial role in convincing others to support independence.
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
On July 4, 1776, Thomas Heyward, Jr., was 29 years old. Despite not being as well known as some of the other founders, he was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He played a vital role in shaping the early governance of America and was dedicated to the principles of liberty and self-governance.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was 33 years old on July 4, 1776. He is famous not only for his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence but also for his contributions to American political philosophy. Jefferson advocated for things like liberty and individual rights. His endeavors extended beyond politics and included architecture, science, and education.
John Hancock
John Hancock was 33 years old on July 4, 1776. He was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence and famously signed his name in large, bold letters. Hancock was a wealthy merchant from Massachusetts.
John Adams
John Adams was 40 years old on July 4, 1776. He was often described as a bit of a firebrand and was already a seasoned lawyer and fervent advocate for independence in 1776. He would go on to be the second president of America.
George Washington
The famous first president of the United States of America was only 40 in 1776. This is quite the contrast to how old the Presidents are nowadays. George Washington’s leadership during the Revolutionary War and his pivotal role in establishing America places him as the central figure in American history.
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was 70 years old on July 4, 1776. Good ol’ Ben Franklin was two generations removed from some of the other founders. His famous kite experiment in 1752 contributed significantly to our understanding of electricity. He not only influenced America but also human progress as a whole.
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