While the precise number and definitive documentation for all signatories remain subjects of historical discussion, available information indicates that at least nine of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were Freemasons. These individuals played a crucial role in the foundational moments of the United States.
Understanding Freemasonry in Colonial America
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest and largest fraternal organizations, characterized by its moral and philosophical teachings, often conveyed through allegorical rituals based on the stonemasons' guilds of the Middle Ages. During the 18th century, Freemasonry was a prominent social and intellectual force in the American colonies, attracting many influential figures, including leaders, merchants, and thinkers. Its emphasis on principles like liberty, equality, personal integrity, and civic duty resonated deeply with the revolutionary spirit of the time.
Key Freemasons Among the Declaration Signers
According to historical documentation, the following individuals, prominent in their roles during the founding of the nation, were documented as Freemasons and signed the Declaration of Independence:
Signer's Name | Masonic Affiliation & Role |
---|---|
Gunning Bedford Jr. | Conclusively documented as a Freemason. |
John Blair | Conclusively documented as a Freemason. |
David Brearly | Conclusively documented as a Freemason. |
Jacob Broom | Conclusively documented as a Freemason. |
Daniel Carroll | Conclusively documented as a Freemason. |
John Dickinson | Conclusively documented as a Freemason. |
Benjamin Franklin | A highly prominent Freemason; served as Grand Master. |
Rufus King | Conclusively documented as a Freemason. |
George Washington | A revered Freemason; served as Master of his lodge. |
Note: While many of these individuals are also well-known for their roles in other significant historical documents, the information presented here specifically ties them to the Declaration of Independence as Freemasons.
The Masonic Influence on Revolutionary Ideals
The Enlightenment-era ideals fostered within Masonic lodges—such as the pursuit of knowledge, rational thought, self-governance, and the rights of individuals—aligned closely with the philosophical underpinnings of the American Revolution. Many historians suggest that Masonic lodges provided a discreet network for revolutionary thinkers to gather, discuss ideas, and organize, fostering a sense of brotherhood and shared purpose that transcended colonial boundaries.
Core Principles Shared:
- Liberty and Individual Rights: Freemasonry's emphasis on personal freedom and conscience resonated with the colonists' demands for independence from British rule.
- Equality: Within the lodge, men of different social standings met on equal footing, promoting a sense of camaraderie that mirrored the republican ideals of the new nation.
- Moral Governance: The Masonic teachings on virtue, ethics, and responsible leadership contributed to the civic-mindedness of its members, influencing their approach to statecraft and the creation of foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence.
The involvement of Freemasons among the signers highlights the widespread influence of the fraternity among the educated and influential class of colonial America, contributing to the intellectual and social fabric of the nascent nation.