Profession: United States Founding Father
Biography: Benjamin Franklin was a polymath, inventor, scientist, writer, and statesman.
Franklin was born relatively poor but moved to Philadelphia as a young man where he soon became a successful printer, publishing the "Pennsylvania Gazette" and "Poor Richard's Almanack.” He founded important institutions like the Library Company of Philadelphia, the American Philosophical Society, and the University of Pennsylvania.
After making his name as a newspaper editor and printer, Franklin also went on to make major scientific contributions, especially in the study of electricity. He inventions include the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove. These experiments and inventions led to international recognition, including receiving the Copley Medal from the Royal Society.
As a statesman, Franklin played key roles in the American Revolution and securing French support. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Later he served as the first ambassador of the United States to France, working to strengthen ties between the nations.
Franklin was an early advocate for abolishing slavery and integrating African Americans into society. He promoted religious tolerance and moral values like hard work and frugality in his popular writings.
Born: January 17, 1706
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Star Sign: Capricorn
Articles and Photos
The President Who Was Never President
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born on this day.
January 17, 1706
Benjamin Franklin’s Words of Wisdom
He is best known as a Founding Father of America but Benjamin Franklin’s first major enterprise was Poor Richard’s Almanack, first published on this day in history.
December 28, 1732
Yippee! It's Independence Day for the U.S.
The United States declared itself independent of Britain on this day. Ever since, celebrations marking the event have taken place every year across the country.
July 4, 1776
United States Declaration of Independence
Engrossed copy of the United States Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776
Constitution of the United States
Page one of the original copy of the Constitution of the United States
September 17, 1787
Light and Air For All – With No Charge!
One of Britain's most hated taxes, which had been in force for more than 250 years, was finally abolished on this day.
July 24, 1851
Married Life
- 1730-09-01 US Founding Father Benjamin Franklin establishes a common-law marriage with Deborah Read
Historical Events
- 1725-01-04 Benjamin Franklin arrives in London [OS=Dec 24 1724]
- 1726-07-23 Benjamin Franklin sails back to Philadelphia
- 1726-10-11 Benjamin Franklin returns to Philadelphia from England
- 1731-11-08 In Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin opens 1st library in the north American colonies, the Library Company of Philadelphia
- 1732-12-19 Benjamin Franklin, under the pseudonym Richard Saunders, begins publication of "Poor Richard's Almanack"; he would produce an annual issue for the next 25 years
- 1741-02-16 Benjamin Franklin begins publishing "The General Magazine and Historical Chronicle for all the British Plantations in America"
- 1742-06-11 Benjamin Franklin invents his Franklin stove
- 1751-05-11 Pennsylvania Hospital founded by Dr. Thomas Bond and Benjamin Franklin, in Philadelphia
- 1752-06-10 Benjamin Franklin tests the lightning conductor with his kite-flying experiment
- 1753-11-30 Benjamin Franklin receives the Godfrey Copley medal "on account of his curious Experiments and Observations on Electricity"
- 1773-09-11 Benjamin Franklin writes "There never was a good war or bad peace"
- 1773-09-22 Benjamin Franklin publishes a hoax letter "An Edict by the King of Prussia" in the Public Advertiser, criticising Britain's colonial policies in the American colonies
- 1775-07-26 US Continental Congress creates United States Post Office (U.S.P.O.) in Philadelphia under Benjamin Franklin
- 1776-06-11 Continental Congress creates committee to draft a Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston as members
- 1776-10-26 Benjamin Franklin departs for France on a mission to seek French support for the American Revolution
- 1784-01-26 Benjamin Franklin expresses unhappiness over eagle as America's symbol
- 1785-05-23 Benjamin Franklin announces his invention of bifocals
- 1789-11-13 In a letter to Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, Benjamin Franklin writes "in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes"
Quotes by Benjamin Franklin
- "We do not quit playing because we grow old, we grow old because we quit playing."
Biographies and Sources
- Benjamin Franklin - American Battlefield Trust
- Benjamin Franklin: The Franklin Stove - Lemelson-MIT
- Biography: Benjamin Franklin - PBS
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