Benjamin Franklin

An inventor, scientist, and statesman, Franklin was chosen as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. In 1776, he was appointed a member of the Committee of Five who drafted the Declaration of Independence. Franklin was also dispatched to France as commissioner for the United States. The Second Continental Congress established the United States Post Office and named Benjamin Franklin as the first United States Postmaster General.

John Adams

Adams was a political leader in the American Revolution. He was an opponent of the English imposition of taxes and tariffs. He believed that they oppressed the American colonists. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress. He was a diplomat in Europe and helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris (1783) which ended the Revolutionary War. Adams sought comfort and guidance from his wife, Abigail, through letters during his term as President.

Patrick Henry

Henry was an influential leader from Virginia who strongly opposed the Stamp Act. His fiery speeches inspired colonists as they prepared to go to war with England. Henry is significantly remembered for his "Give me Liberty, or give me Death!" speech.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. In 1775, he was chosen as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. It was there that he was asked to draft the Declaration of Independence. His draft of the document explained why the colonists wanted to be free. It also posited the importance of individual rights and freedoms for colonists.

Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine was an English-American writer and political leader. He wrote the famous pamphlet Common Sense, urging Americans to demand independence from England. He continued to write papers that inspired Americans throughout the war.