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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Assembly
Room, Pennsylvania State House, later named Independence
Hall, meeting place of Congress learn
more...
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The Scene
at the Signing of the Constitution, oil painting
(reproduction) by Howard Chandler Christy, 1940
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more...
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