Celebrity Graveland

January 6, 1705 – April 17, 1790

The key. The kite. The bifocals. The legend.

Benjamin Franklin is arguably one of the most popular and famous Americans in the history of the country. Born in Boston to English colonists, Ben was one of 17 children between his father’s two marriages. Originally, his father wanted him to be a minister, but could not afford to pay for more than two years of school. Young Ben dropped out and became an apprentice in his brother’s printshop.

Printmaking would define much of Franklin’s early life. He moved himself to Philadelphia and began publishing leaflets, newsletters and – eventually – newspapers. Gravitating toward critique and satire, his writings (often under pseudonyms) became very popular. He made a very good living having founded a number of papers in Pennsylvania and other colonies.
A true Renaissance man, Franklin also dabbled in everything from local politics to scientific research. He served as the Postmaster of Philadelphia for 2 decades. He was a prolific thinker and writer and he was well-regarded in countless fields ranging from music to oceanography. He famously experimented with electricity and, in addition to inventing bifocal glasses, a metal fireplace called a “stove” and the glass harmonica, Franklin also founded libraries, fire stations and, oh yeah…a fledgling nation.

After spending several years abroad in England and France, Franklin was unanimously elected as Pennsylvania’s delegate to the Second Continental Congress during the American Revolutionary War. His diplomacy with France helped seal French aid during the war. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and, 12 years later, hosted the Constitutional Convention in his beloved Philadelphia making him one of only six men who signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

At the time of his death at the age of 84, Franklin was one of the most well-known and highly regarded American citizens. That remains true to this day. His likeness can be seen on the U.S. $100 bill and hundreds of honored statues, plaques, drawings and paintings all over the world. Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute stands today as a monument to his contributions to the country and humanity at large.

Burial

Christ Church Burial Ground – Philadelphia, PA

Specific Location

At the northwest corner of this historic graveyard. Franklin and his wife are buried along Arch St. and are easily spotted from the outside thanks to the wall next to them being replaced by a wrought iron fence.

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