Edward Rutledge was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence, making him a notable figure in the history commemorated by America250.
Rutledge was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1749. He was 26 years old when he signed the Declaration in 1776. His older brother John Rutledge was also involved in revolutionary politics, but Edward was the younger of the two and the youngest person to sign the document.
Rutledge served as a delegate from South Carolina in the Continental Congress. He initially opposed some language in the draft Declaration but ultimately supported independence and signed the final parchment. He later became governor of South Carolina.
Age comparisons among the signers can be confusing because the delegates ranged from young revolutionary politicians to much older statesmen. Benjamin Franklin, born in 1706, was the oldest signer, while Rutledge represented the youngest end of that group.