Thirty-nine delegates endorsed the United States Constitution at its signing in 1787, a key event in America250 history.
The signing took place on September 17, 1787, at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. The Constitutional Convention had begun with delegates from twelve states; Rhode Island declined to send delegates and therefore did not participate.
The convention’s final endorsement listed the delegates who subscribed to the completed document. George Washington signed as president of the convention, while 38 other delegates also signed. Several delegates who attended the convention refused to sign, including George Mason, Edmund Randolph, and Elbridge Gerry.
The number 39 refers to delegates who endorsed the Constitution, not everyone who attended the convention. The Constitution then went to state ratifying conventions, and Article VII required approval by nine states. Ratification and the launch of the new government were later steps in the constitutional process.