The Most Important Signer of the US Constitution - Essay Example

The Most Important Signer of the US Constitution The signing of the US constitution was a momentous event that defined the destiny of this country. From research, it should be noted that 40 delegates, all drawn from different states of the country signed the original document on September 7, 1787 ratifying the constitution, and George Washington was arguably the most important signer of this constitution. Originally, Washington presided over the convention of the delegates that led directly to the formation of the new constitution and eventually became the first president of the new republic that was formed after the constitution was passed (Lossing 55).

George Washington was born in February 1932 in Virginia and received basic English education from his mother since his father died when George was just ten years old (Lossing 55). He became a surveyor at the age of seventeen and at the age of nineteen, was appointed a state-adjutant, a position he soon resigned to move with his brother to the West Indies. His services to the state started officially when he was 21 and was sent as an emissary to dissuade the French from hostile maneuvers, a feat that earned him credit and recognition (Lossing 55).

He served in the military until 1758 when he retired and married a young widow. He was a farmer for a short while until he was called into the legislature and later into the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia (Lossing 55). He also directed the army in the struggle for independence by the revolting colonies during the great revolution. From Washington’s skill and experience, he was unanimously led to lead the convention that sat to modify the current form of government, efforts that resulted in the formation of the current constitution and the federal government.

He was later elected as the first president of the United States of America, a post that he held for 8 years, after which he retired and died peacefully at the age of 68 in his native Virginia (Lossing 56). Work CitedLossing, Benson J. Eminent Americans: Comprising Brief Biographies of Leading Statesmen, Patriots, Orators and others, Men and Women, Who Have Made American History. New York: John B. Alden, 1883. P. 55-56.