Which signer was the oldest delegate to sign the United States Constitution?

Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate to sign the United States Constitution, doing so at age 81.

Franklin represented Pennsylvania at the Constitutional Convention and was one of the most prominent figures in the room. His long career had included scientific work, diplomacy, colonial politics, and a major role in the movement for American independence.

On the final day, Franklin supported the completed Constitution despite reservations about some of its provisions. James Wilson read an address Franklin prepared, and Franklin helped shape the convention’s carefully worded closing endorsement.

Franklin’s age is sometimes mixed up with the ages of other famous founders. George Washington presided over the convention, James Madison was a key intellectual architect, and Alexander Hamilton was a prominent advocate, but Franklin was the oldest signer at 81.