Benjamin Franklin stands tall among a small group of men we call our Founding Fathers. Ben used his diplomacy skills to serve his fellow countrymen. His role in the American Revolution was not played out on the battlefields and staterooms of governments. His clear vision of the way things should be, and his skill in both writing and negotiating, helped him to shape the future of the United States of America.

Ben stands alone as the only person to have signed all four documents witch helped to create the United States: The Declaration of Independence (1776), The Treaty of Alliance, Amity, and Commerce with France (1778), The Treaty of Peace between England, France, and the United States (1782), and The Constitution (1787). He actually helped to write parts of The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. No other individual was involved in the birth of our nation.

Besides helping to mold the United States of America, Ben helped to make everyday life in the city better. He served as Postmaster, helping to set up the postal system in Philadelphia. In order to make Philadelphia a safer city, he started the Union Fire Company in 1736. A few years later, in 1752, he set up America’s first fire insurance company. He even organized a Night Watch and Militia to help keep peace and safety in Philadelphia. While in Paris, Ben proposed the idea of Daylight Savings Time.

Today, America’s leadership and government re found in Washington, D.C. In the late 1700’s, that leadership was in Philadelphia because that’s where Benjamin Franklin lived.

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