Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a polymath, inventor, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, Franklin was the fifteenth child of Josiah and Abiah Franklin. Largely self-educated, he became an accomplished writer, printer, and entrepreneur. At the age of 17, Franklin moved to Philadelphia, where he established a successful printing business and earned recognition for his publication, "Poor Richard's Almanack."

Franklin’s curiosity and innovative spirit led to numerous contributions in science and technology, including the invention of the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and the Franklin stove. He conducted groundbreaking experiments in electricity, famously demonstrating that lightning is a form of electricity through his kite experiment in 1752.

As a statesman, Franklin played a crucial role in the American Revolution, helping to draft the Declaration of Independence and securing French support for the colonial cause. He also contributed to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

In addition to his scientific and political achievements, Franklin founded several enduring institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania and the first public library in America. His legacy endures, symbolizing the spirit of American ingenuity and civic responsibility. Franklin died on April 17, 1790, in Philadelphia, leaving an indelible mark on American history.