The Stories History Often Forgets

We see their faces on currency and their names on cities, but how well do we truly know the Founding Fathers? They weren't just stoic figures in portraits; they were flawed and brilliant individuals whose personal lives were as dramatic as the revolution they ignited. Their stories involve surprising career pivots and moments of staggering hypocrisy that history often overlooks. Prepare for a fresh perspective; our list of 20 surprising facts reveals the men behind the myths.

Library of Congress on Unsplash

1. Benjamin Rush Championed Mental Health Reform

For his work championing humane treatment for patients, Benjamin Rush is called the "Father of American Psychiatry." This Declaration signer also founded medical institutions and was a vocal opponent of both slavery and the death penalty, a true reformer.

Charles Willson Peale on Wikimedia

2. George Washington Refused A Third Term

Fearing a monarchy-like leadership in the new republic, George Washington voluntarily stepped down after just two terms. This decision set a powerful precedent for future presidents, even though many urged him to stay. His farewell address famously warned against political factions.

Gilbert Stuart on Wikimedia

3. Benjamin Franklin Was A Self-Taught Scientist

Championing practical scientific applications was a key focus for the self-taught genius Benjamin Franklin. His formal education ended at age 10, yet he invented bifocals and proved the nature of electricity with a kite experiment. He ultimately founded the American Philosophical Society.

After Joseph-Siffred Duplessis on Wikimedia

4. Alexander Hamilton Was Born In The Caribbean

Born on the small Caribbean island of Nevis and later orphaned, his early life was challenging. Hamilton's powerful essays earned him passage to New York. Though never president, Alexander's influence included founding the entire U.S. financial system.

Hamilton Buggy Company on Wikimedia

5. Francis Hopkinson Designed Early U.S. Flags

He claimed credit for designing the first U.S. flag, a fact often overshadowed by the Betsy Ross legend. Francis Hopkinson, a New Jersey delegate and Declaration signer, also created naval flags, composed patriotic songs, and served as a federal judge.

Engraving by James Barton Longacre after painting by Robert Edge Pine on Wikimedia

6. Samuel Adams Was A Master Propagandist

Using newspapers as his weapon, Samuel Adams became a master propagandist who stirred revolutionary sentiment in Boston. He organized the Sons of Liberty, who then played a major role in orchestrating the famous Boston Tea Party that further shaped public opinion.

John Singleton Copley on Wikimedia

7. John Jay Negotiated Peace With Britain

The formal end to the Revolutionary War came with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which John Jay helped negotiate. A strong advocate for the federal government, he co-wrote The Federalist Papers and later became the first Supreme Court Chief Justice.

Gilbert Stuart on Wikimedia

8. James Wilson Shaped The Electoral College

Imagine directly electing the president by popular vote—that was James Wilson's original proposal for the U.S. Constitution. Although the idea failed, he helped draft the final document, advocated for popular sovereignty, and served on the first Supreme Court.

Progressingamerica on Wikimedia

9. Thomas Paine Inspired Revolution With Pamphlets

Selling over 120,000 copies in three months, Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense galvanized public opinion for independence. His powerful writing directly inspired the revolution, and his ensuing work, The American Crisis, continued to advocate for the colonies' democratic ideals.

John Wesley Jarvis on Wikimedia

10. George Mason Refused To Sign The Constitution

His refusal to sign the Constitution stemmed from its glaring lack of a Bill of Rights. George Mason's strong objections and ideas about individual liberties ultimately shaped the later amendments. Mason's advocacy even influenced Thomas Jefferson's own Declaration of Independence.

After John Hesselius on Wikimedia

11. John Hancock Had The Largest Signature

That famously large signature on the Declaration of Independence became a bold symbol of defiance against the crown. As Continental Congress President, John Hancock, a wealthy merchant, used his considerable fortune to help fund many critical revolutionary activities during the war.

John Singleton Copley on Wikimedia

12. James Monroe Fought In The Revolutionary War

James Monroe served under General Washington during the Revolutionary War and was wounded at the Battle of Trenton. Before becoming the fifth U.S. president, his career included helping negotiate the Louisiana Purchase and establishing his celebrated Monroe Doctrine in foreign policy.

John Vanderlyn on Wikimedia

13. Robert Morris Financed The Revolution

By using his personal wealth to back the war effort, Robert Morris essentially financed the American Revolution. He founded the Bank of North America and signed three founding documents, but tragically ended his life in complete and utter financial ruin.

Crawdad Blues on Wikimedia

14. Charles Carroll Was The Longest-Lived Signer

The wealthy Maryland landowner outlived all other signers, passing away at age 95 in 1832. Charles Carroll, the sole Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, stood out as a leading supporter of religious liberty.

Chester Harding on Wikimedia

15. Gouverneur Morris Wrote The Constitution's Preamble

A man known for bold speeches and a wooden leg, Gouverneur Morris penned the Constitution's iconic "We the People" preamble. He advocated for a strong national government and even served as the U.S. Minister to France during its revolution.

Creator:Exta Ames on Wikimedia

16. Elbridge Gerry Inspired The Term "Gerrymandering"

Redrawing voting districts to favor his party gave us the term "gerrymandering," named after Elbridge Gerry himself. Though he initially opposed the Constitution, he did sign the Declaration of Independence and later served as Vice President under James Madison.

Nathaniel Jocelyn on Wikimedia

17. William Few Helped Unite North And South

William Few of Georgia was a key unifier, tasked with bridging the deep regional divides during the Constitutional Convention. He advocated for national unity while serving in the Continental Congress and subsequently relocated from his southern home to New York.

Dsdugan on Wikimedia

18. Roger Sherman Signed Four Founding Documents

No one else managed to sign all four major U.S. founding documents, a unique distinction held by Roger Sherman alone. The practical statesman from Connecticut helped draft key texts and famously proposed the important Great Compromise during heated constitutional debates.

Ralph Earl on Wikimedia

19. John Witherspoon Was A Clergyman And Educator

Serving as both a clergyman and president of Princeton University, John Witherspoon trained many of America's future leaders. He holds the distinction of being the only active clergy member to sign the Declaration, always emphasizing moral education and civic virtue.

Rembrandt Peale on Wikimedia

20. John Adams Defended British Soldiers In Court

A firm belief in fair trials for all, even enemies, led John Adams to defend British soldiers after the Boston Massacre. This deeply unpopular but principled stand helped establish the rule of law. He later became the second U.S. president.

Gilbert Stuart on Wikimedia