⏱️ 4 min read
Did You Know These 15 Facts About the American Founding?
The founding of the United States is filled with fascinating details that often go unnoticed in standard history books. Here are 15 remarkable facts about America’s founding period that showcase the complexity and intrigue of this pivotal historical era.
1. Benjamin Franklin’s Secret Identity
Benjamin Franklin wrote and published numerous political articles under 87 different pen names. His most famous pseudonym, “Silence Dogood,” was created when he was just 16 years old, and he used it to publish letters in his brother’s newspaper, The New-England Courant.
2. The Declaration’s Missing Period
The original handwritten Declaration of Independence contains a notable punctuation error. There’s a misplaced period in the middle of a sentence in the list of grievances against King George III, which has led to centuries of debate about its significance among historians.
3. Two Presidents Died on July 4th, 1826
In a remarkable coincidence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on July 4th, 1826 – exactly 50 years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Adams’ last words were reportedly “Thomas Jefferson survives,” unaware that Jefferson had died a few hours earlier.
4. George Washington’s Dental Struggles
Contrary to popular belief, Washington’s false teeth were not made of wood. They were constructed from various materials, including human teeth, hippopotamus ivory, lead, and animal teeth. By his inauguration, Washington had only one natural tooth remaining.
5. The Liberty Bell’s Original Name
The Liberty Bell wasn’t always called by that name. It was originally known as the State House Bell and didn’t acquire its famous nickname until the 1830s when abolitionists adopted it as a symbol of their cause to end slavery.
6. Constitutional Convention’s Secret Meetings
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was conducted in absolute secrecy. Windows were kept shut despite the summer heat, and delegates were prohibited from discussing the proceedings outside the meeting hall. The full details weren’t released until James Madison’s notes were published in 1840.
7. The First Capitol’s Location
New York City served as America’s first capital, not Washington, D.C. George Washington took his presidential oath at Federal Hall in New York City, which served as the nation’s capital from 1789 to 1790 before moving to Philadelphia.
8. Martha Washington’s Wealth
When Martha Washington married George, she was one of the wealthiest women in Virginia. She brought significant property and wealth to their marriage, including 15,000 acres of land and numerous slaves, substantially increasing George Washington’s social and economic status.
9. Button Gwinnett’s Rare Signature
The signature of Button Gwinnett, one of the Declaration’s signers, is among the most valuable American autographs. Because he died in a duel shortly after signing, few examples of his signature exist, making it worth more than George Washington’s autograph.
10. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense Success
Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” sold an estimated 500,000 copies in its first year – equivalent to about 20% of the colonial population. It became the best-selling work of the 18th century in America.
11. Franklin’s Turkey Preference
Benjamin Franklin argued that the turkey, not the bald eagle, should be America’s national bird. He considered the eagle a “bird of bad moral character” while praising the turkey as a “much more respectable bird” and a “true original native of America.”
12. The Articles of Confederation’s Brief Reign
The Articles of Confederation, America’s first constitution, lasted only eight years (1781-1789). Its weakness in providing central authority led to its replacement by the current Constitution, making it the shortest-lived American founding document.
13. Betsy Ross’s Disputed Flag Story
The popular story of Betsy Ross creating the first American flag wasn’t publicized until 1870, nearly a century after the fact, when her grandson made the claim. While she was a flag maker, historical evidence for her creating the first Stars and Stripes is limited.
14. John Hancock’s Bold Statement
John Hancock’s famously large signature on the Declaration of Independence was likely a deliberate act of defiance. He reportedly said he wrote it large enough “so King George can read it without his spectacles.”
15. The Constitution’s Missing Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights wasn’t part of the original Constitution. It was added later as the first ten amendments after several states demanded greater protection for individual rights as a condition for ratification.
Conclusion
These 15 lesser-known facts about America’s founding period reveal the complex nature of early American history. From secret identities and coincidental deaths to hidden wealth and document mysteries, the founding era continues to surprise and intrigue historians and citizens alike. Understanding these details helps paint a more complete picture of the remarkable events and personalities that shaped the United States.