Thirty-nine delegates signed the United States Constitution in 1787, a key later milestone in the history remembered during America250.
The signing took place on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The Constitutional Convention had brought together delegates from twelve states; Rhode Island declined to send delegates. The convention’s final document established a new framework for the national government.
Not every delegate present signed. Some had already left Philadelphia, and three delegates who remained refused to sign. The 39 signers represented twelve states, while George Washington presided over the convention. The Constitution was later sent to the states for ratification, becoming effective after the required number of states approved it.