Practically all Americans grow up learning about our colonial and early US history in school and one founding father that is constantly mentioned is the great Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin Franklin was one of the finest Americans, throughout his lifetime he helped to further democracy and our great union. While his accomplishments are amazing, his life story is fascinating as well. For those that think you know about Benjamin Franklin, there is a lot more about this man than inventing electricity and bi-focals.
Benjamin Franklin Born in Massachusetts
Benjamin Franklin was the youngest son of 17 children. And while he wasn’t born into a wealthy household, he did have the intelligence and drive that would make him wildly famous and sucessful in the years to come. Unbelievably, Benjamin Franklin had only one year of formal schooling, however during his formidable years he fell in love with the written word and started out as a printing apprentice in his brother’s print shop. At the age of 17, Benjamin Franklin set out on his own; he ran away from Massachusetts and settled down in the city of Philadelphia.
Benjamin Franklin the Author and Entrepreneur
Benjamin Franklin became an extremely accomplished writer and printer during his first decade in Philadelphia. In fact, this was a time for extreme growth in Benjamin Franklin’s life. As an author he created famous works such as Poor Richard’s Almanac which is filled with proverbs that have stood the test of time and are still repeated frequently today.
Benjamin Franklin the Inventor
Another area of life that Benjamin Franklin is well known for is an inventor. During his lifetime he was very successful in inventing new items including the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, bifocals and much more. However, many of inventions went beyond just physical objects, but institutions. For instance, Benjamin Franklin started the first fire department (fire company), the first library and the first hospital in Philadelphia. Americans and people around the world owe a huge debt of gratitude to Benjamin Franklin for his wonderful contributions that have helped all mankind.
The Smithsonian Magazine has an interesting article regarding Benjamin Franklin. To read it, please visit our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/
