Who was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence celebrated by America250?

Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence celebrated by America250. He was 70 years old when he signed the engrossed parchment copy in 1776.

Franklin was a printer, scientist, inventor, diplomat, and longtime Pennsylvania representative. Before the Revolution, he had spent years in Britain and understood the political conflict from both colonial and imperial perspectives.

His signature joined those of 55 other delegates. Franklin was also a member of the committee that presented Thomas Jefferson’s draft to Congress, although Jefferson is generally credited as the principal author of the Declaration’s text.

The youngest signer was Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, who was 26. Franklin and Rutledge therefore represent a striking age range among the signers. Franklin’s later diplomatic work in France helped secure crucial French support for the American war effort.