The Founding Fathers of the United States were a group of late-18th-century American leaders who played key roles in uniting the Thirteen Colonies, leading the American Revolutionary War, and establishing the nation’s government. While many contributed, seven men are most commonly recognized as the principal Founding Fathers:
- George Washington
- Thomas Jefferson
- John Adams
- Benjamin Franklin
- Alexander Hamilton
- John Jay
- James Madison
These seven are often highlighted for their leadership, statesmanship, and longevity in shaping the country’s founding documents and government framework
. Beyond these seven, other notable figures include Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, John Hancock, George Mason, and Gouverneur Morris, among others, who also played important roles in the revolution, drafting the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution
. George Washington is frequently called the "Father of the United States" as he was the commander of the Continental Army during the Revolution and the first U.S. president
. In summary, the term "Founding Fathers" broadly refers to the key leaders and framers of the United States who contributed to its independence and foundational government documents, with the seven men listed above being the most recognized core group
