Who was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence, a document central to America250?

Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence, a document central to America250.

Franklin was 70 years old when he signed. By 1776, he was an internationally known scientist, inventor, printer, writer, and diplomat. He had spent years in Britain and Europe and brought extensive political experience to the Second Continental Congress.

Franklin served on the Committee of Five that prepared the declaration, but Thomas Jefferson wrote the original draft. Franklin suggested revisions and helped present the committee’s work to Congress. His signature later became one of the most recognizable on the parchment.

The youngest signer was Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, who was 26. John Hancock’s large signature is the most famous visually, but Hancock was not the oldest signer. Franklin’s age is one of the clearest biographical distinctions among the 56 delegates.