Who was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution?

Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Franklin was 81 when he signed the Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. He was a Pennsylvania delegate, a renowned scientist, printer, diplomat, and statesman, and one of the most experienced figures at the convention.

Franklin supported compromise during the convention, including the agreement that created a bicameral Congress with proportional representation in the House and equal state representation in the Senate. He was also associated with the famous account of a painted sun on the back of George Washington's chair, which Franklin interpreted as a hopeful symbol.

George Washington, who was 55, presided over the convention but was not its oldest signer. James Madison was 36, and Alexander Hamilton was 30. Franklin died in 1790, making him the first signer of the Constitution to die. His age is distinct from the age of the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence.