Founding Fathers Younger Than You Think

Many Were Under 40 When They Signed the Declaration of Independence

Some Even Qualify as Founding Teenagers

Contrary to popular belief, many of the Founding Fathers of the United States were quite young when they signed the Declaration of Independence. The average age of the signers was just 43, and several were in their teens or early 20s.

For example, Thomas Jefferson was only 33 when he drafted the Declaration of Independence, and James Monroe was just 27. Other young signers included Aaron Burr (29), Alexander Hamilton (30), and John Hancock (34).

The youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence was Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, who was just 26 years old. Four other signers were in their 30s, including George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Patrick Henry.

The fact that many of the Founding Fathers were so young when they helped to establish the United States is a testament to their extraordinary vision and leadership. It is also a reminder that even young people can make a difference in the world.

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