America's Founding Documents: Who Were the Signers

Who Were the Signers

Famous Signers

Some of the most famous signers of the Declaration of Independence include:

Thomas Jefferson
The principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson is often the most remembered name associated with it. He later served as the third President of the United States.
John Adams
A strong advocate for independence, Adams was a key leader in the Continental Congress. He went on to become the second President of the United States.
Benjamin Franklin
One of the most famous Founding Fathers, Franklin was an inventor, statesman, and diplomat. His wisdom and diplomatic skills helped secure crucial French support during the Revolutionary War.
John Hancock
Known for his bold signature, Hancock was the president of the Continental Congress at the time of the signing. His name became synonymous with “signing” because of his large, distinctive signature.
Samuel Adams
A cousin of John Adams, Samuel was a leading figure in the early stages of American resistance to British rule and a strong proponent of independence.
Richard Henry Lee
A Virginian who made the motion for independence in the Continental Congress, which led to the drafting of the Declaration. He was a key advocate for independence early on.
Charles Carroll
The only Catholic signer, Carroll was from Maryland and became the wealthiest man in the American colonies. He was also an important political figure in the early years of the Republic.
Edward Rutledge
A young signer from South Carolina, Rutledge was the youngest person to sign the Declaration at the age of 26. He later became the governor of South Carolina.
Francis Lewis
A signer from New York, Lewis was a wealthy merchant who saw his property and wealth destroyed by British forces during the war.
Button Gwinnett
A signer from Georgia, Gwinnett is remembered in part for his short political career and tragic death. He was later killed in a duel with a political rival.

These men, along with many others, took a monumental step toward American independence by signing the Declaration, knowing it could mean severe punishment or even death if the colonies lost the war.

Signers by State

Delaware

Pennsylvania

Massachusetts

Maryland

Virginia

South Carolina

New York

New Jersey

Georgia

Connecticut

Rhode Island

North Carolina

New Hampshire