Who were the delegates to the Continental Congress?

The delegates to the Continental Congress were representatives from the thirteen American colonies who met during the Revolutionary period to discuss and take action against the policies of the British government. These men were typically well-regarded leaders in their respective colonies, and they included lawyers, merchants, planters, and politicians. They met in two sessions: the First Continental Congress in 1774 and the Second Continental Congress from 1775 to 1781.

Some of the most notable delegates to the Continental Congress included:

1. George Washington - Represented Virginia and would later become the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and the first President of the United States.

2. John Adams - Represented Massachusetts, played a key role in the push for independence, became a diplomat serving in Europe, and was eventually elected as the second President of the United States.

3. Thomas Jefferson - Represented Virginia, chiefly known as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, and later became the third President of the United States.

4. Benjamin Franklin - Represented Pennsylvania, famous for his scientific and diplomatic contributions, and served as a vital negotiator in France during the Revolution.

5. John Jay - Represented New York, a key diplomat and the first Chief Justice of the United States.

6. John Hancock - Represented Massachusetts, served as the President of the Second Continental Congress, and is famous for his large and bold signature on the Declaration of Independence.

7. Samuel Adams - Represented Massachusetts, and was a significant figure in organizing opposition to British policies, particularly through the Sons of Liberty.

These are only a few examples of the many men who served as delegates. The Continental Congress played a critical role in managing the revolution, establishing governmental frameworks, and eventually transitioning into the government of the United States under the Articles of Confederation until the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.