As we head into the 4th of July, I’ve been thinking about our Founding Fathers — and they were a group of interesting men. These weren’t just political geniuses… they were wildly different, slightly eccentric, and often downright hilarious. There were many of them, but I picked a few that stand out just for fun.
Take Thomas Jefferson, for example. He was just 33 when he wrote the Declaration of Independence—known as the principal author—and apparently had the best penmanship too. He gave us big ideas like liberty and self-governance… and brought French fries, macaroni and cheese, ice cream, and champagne to America. A personal thank-you from me—especially for the fries. He also had bear cubs as pets, invented the swivel chair, and spoke six languages.
George Washington? By all accounts, so good-looking in his younger years that a girl stole his clothes while he was swimming, just to get a look. He also had to ban eating during cabinetmeetings because Jefferson kept showing up with mac & cheese. (Jefferson again!) And that famous hairdo? Not a wig. It was his real hair, powdered white and styled every morning.
Aaron Burr? Total chaos. He once ate ice cream too fast, got a brain freeze, and thought he was dying. (Jefferson, you did it again!) Another time, he was so tired he tried to light a candle with his pistol—and set himself on fire. Twice. And he carried a dirk which is a fancy knife hidden in his umbrella. Ready for a fight
Alexander Hamilton? The drama. He started an entire newspaper just to trash-talk his enemies. Apparently, he and Jefferson and Burr really hated each other. Hamilton was involved in 12 duels, including the infamous one where Burr fatally shot him. His son was also killed in a duel. Apparently dueling ran in the family.
Ben Franklin? Brilliant and eccentric. He once proposed rearranging the English alphabet, eliminating the letters C, J, Q, W, X, and Y. It didn’t katch on. (See what I did there?) But he also invented bifocals—so if you’re reading this without squinting, thank Ben. Also: swim fins. Yep. Swim fins.
John Hancock? He made his mark—literally. His signature on the Declaration of Independence is a massive six square inches, towering over the rest. That’s why we still refer to a signature as your “John Hancock” today. At the time, John Hancock was more famous for being a smuggler than a patriot.
What’s incredible is that, despite the rivalries, drama, egos, and wildly different views, they still came together and created something bigger than themselves. They laid the foundation for a country rooted in debate, independence, and unapologetic individuality. This Independence Day, let’s celebrate the freedom to be bold, to be different—and to be united as Americans.