Benjamin Franklin was a leading writer, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, and diplomat. He earned the title of “The First American” for his campaigning for the unity of Thirteen American Colonies.
Franklin was a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and is considered as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Because of his influence in the early history of the United States, he is jokingly called the only President of the United States who was never the President of the United States.
Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute is home to Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, a 20-foot marble statue, and many other personal possessions of Franklin. 36 Craven Street in London, the only surviving former residence of Franklin, is opened to the public, as the Benjamin Franklin House.
Since 1928, Franklin has adorned the US $100 bills. Occasionally, his portrait has also appeared on the half dollar bill, the US $50 bill, and several varieties of the US $100 bill. After George Washington, the image of Franklin occurs most frequently on the face of U.S. postage stamps.