US History: Founding Fathers

John Hancock

The man whose name heads the list of signers of the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock was a Boston patriot and a leader of the American Revolution. He was the President of the 2nd Continental Congress, first to boldly sign the Declaration of Independence (which was an outright act of treason).

John Adams

As first vice president and second president of the United States, John Adams was one of the founding fathers of the new nation. He believed in justice and was a lawyer who defended the British soldiers after the Boston Massacre.

James Madison

Called the Father of the Constitution because he was the author of the basic plan of government the Constitutional Convention adopted. James Madison was the fourth president of the United States, serving from 1809 to 1817.

Benjamin Franklin

Franklin had many other talents as well. He was an inventor and an ambassador to France, as well as signer to the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution. He also was a scientist, a philosopher, an educator, and a public servant. He organized the first library in America.

George Washington

George Washington's achievements distinguished him as the Father of His Country. Washington was commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, chairman of the convention that wrote the United States Constitution, and the first president of the United States.

Sam Adams

He helped found the "Sons of Liberty" and the "Committee of Correspondence." To rouse public opinion he gave speeches, wrote newspaper articles, and made behind-the-scene maneuvers. Adams' famous "circular letter" appealed to all the colonies to join in action against the crown.

Thomas Paine

His writings brought courage in times of crisis, Paine published a pamphlet, 'Common Sense' which argued for separation from England and the creation of a new Republic. Paine wrote and reasoned in a style that common people understood.

Alexander Hamilton

One of the youngest and brightest of the founders of the United States, he served as an assistant to George Washington during the American Revolution Alexander Hamilton and favored strong central government.

Thomas Jefferson

The author of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Thomas Jefferson was later the third president of the United States, serving from 1801 to 1809. During his presidency the territory of the United States doubled with the Louisiana Purchase.