FOUNDING FATHERS

The signed archetype of the U.S. Constitution now up for auction.

Ultra-Rare Copy of the U.S. Constitution, Found in a Filing Cabinet, Heads to Auction

Bidding on the signed Constitution copy starts at $1 million—but it will likely sell for much, much more.

President George Washington delivering his inaugural address.

Why Do Presidents Serve Four-Year Terms?

Here’s the history behind four-year presidential term limits, plus answers to all your other questions about presidential terms.

Aaron Burr shoots Alexander Hamilton in the infamous duel.

What Did Aaron Burr Do After Shooting Alexander Hamilton?

The first thing Burr did after fatally shooting Hamilton was go home and eat some breakfast. His later years included treason and a drawn-out divorce.

Painting showing Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Benjamin Franklin presenting the first draft of the Declaration of Independence to the Second Continental Congress.

The Pursuit of Happiness: The True Meaning of the Misunderstood Phrase

When the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, both 'pursuit' and 'happiness' had secondary definitions that change the meaning of the iconic quote.

Parades are a big part of the festivities.

10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Fourth of July

One Founding Father thought we were celebrating on the wrong day, but that hasn’t stopped Americans from pulling out all the stops on July 4.

Portrait of Alexander Hamilton by Thomas Hamilton Crawford.

11 Surprising Facts About Alexander Hamilton

Even if you've seen the Broadway musical 'Hamilton,' there's probably a lot you don't know about this enigmatic founding father.

Benjamin Franklin’s Long List of Synonyms for ’Drunk‘

“The Drinkers Dictionary,” published by Franklin in the ‘Pennsylvania Gazette’ in January 1737, features terms like ‘nimptopsical’ and ‘cherubimical’ as synonyms for ‘drunk.’

Alexander Hamilton

Learn about the life, legacy, and devastating death of Alexander Hamilton, the man who inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit Broadway musical.

14 Surprising Facts About Aaron Burr

Though he's mainly remembered for killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel, Aaron Burr led a pretty extraordinary life.

The Rundown on Alexander Hamilton's 8 Children

Between the Revolutionary War, the fight over the Constitution, and his infamous deadly duel with Aaron Burr, Hamilton found time to father eight children with his wife Eliza.

Agent 355: The American Revolution’s Most Mysterious Female Spy

The spy thriller 'The 355' gets its title from a Culper Spy Ring agent known only as “355.” Who was she?

The document on display at Sotheby's in New York City nearlier this fall.

A Rare, Original Print of the U.S. Constitution Just Sold for a Record-Breaking $43 Million

A precious copy of the U.S. Constitution fetched roughly $23 million more than its estimated value at auction.

When a Founding Father Invited Prince Henry of Prussia to Rule America

As part of the "Prussian scheme," some of America's Founding Fathers invited the Prince of Prussia to rule the United States as king.

The 12 Most Googled Questions About the White House, Answered

The White House’s location hasn’t ever changed, but it’s seen a lot of renovations in its 229 years.

The U.S. Capitol Crypt in all its splendor.

The Empty Crypt Beneath the U.S. Capitol Rotunda

Beneath the ornate Capitol Rotunda is a drafty crypt with 40 Doric columns, a dozen statues, and zero human remains.

A painting of Gouverneur Morris by Pierre Henri, 1798.

When a Founding Father Performed His Own Penis Surgery (And Then Died)

There are many weird ways to die. But Gouverneur Morris’s DIY whale-bone catheter might take the cake.

Front row, left to right: Stephen G. Breyer, Clarence Thomas, (Chief Justice) John G. Roberts, Jr., Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Samuel A. Alito. Back row: Neil M. Gorsuch, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Brett M. Kavanaugh.

Why Does the Supreme Court Have Nine Justices?

The Constitution never specified a number of Supreme Court justices, and it’s fluctuated quite a lot over the years.

Benjamin Franklin left instructions in his will that had to be followed for 200 years.

How a 200-Year-Old Gift From Benjamin Franklin Made Boston and Philadelphia a Fortune

When Benjamin Franklin died in 1790, he left a small sum of money to the cities of Boston and Philadelphia with one condition: That they not spend it in full for 200 years.

The real work begins after the final bow.

Hamilton Cast Discusses the History and Impact of the Musical in New Disney+ Exclusive

After you watch ‘Hamilton’ on Disney+, Lin-Manuel Miranda and the rest of the cast will help you understand it.

Julia Stiles at the Golden Globe Awards in 2011.

49 Notable Columbia University Alumni

Columbia University, Manhattan's Ivy League institution, boasts Alexander Hamilton, Barack Obama, and even Alicia Keys (sort of) among its former students.

15 Amazing Facts About the Washington Monument

Although the towering tribute to President George Washington is an icon of the Washington, D.C. skyline, there might be a few things you don't know about the Washington Monument's history.

7 of John Adams's Greatest Insults

John Adams had a reputation for articulate jabs and razor-sharp put-downs at the expense of his rivals and allies alike. Here are a few of his best zingers.

Ji-Elle, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0

Benjamin Franklin and History's Most Dangerous Musical Instrument

The glass armonica was Benjamin Franklin's biggest contribution to the world of music—and then it started to kill people.

10 Resonant Facts About the Liberty Bell

The crack was widened on purpose.