Related Posts
- Buy Tickets for The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia – See 20+ Sites on a Primary Overview of Independence Park, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
- Independence Hall
- Signers' Garden
- Signers' Walk
- Second Continental Congress
- Congress Hall
Birth: 1749 (exact date unknown)
Death: February 2, 1804 (at the age of approximately 55)
Colony: Georgia
Occupation: Carpenter, Lawyer, Politician
Significance: Signed The Declaration of Independence (at the age or approximately 27); Served as Governor of Georgia (1789-1790); and Served as United States Senator from Georgia (1795-1796)
George Walton was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Originally born in Virginia, his parents died when he was still an infant, and he was sent to live with his Uncle, under whom he eventually apprenticed as a carpenter. Once his apprenticeship ended, Walton moved to Georgia where he began studying law and then practiced law.
Walton became a successful lawyer in Georgia and a prominent political figure, and in 1775, he was selected to serve in the Second Continental Congress. Walton voted for Independence, and he signed The Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. After signing The Declaration of Independence, Walton continued to serve in the Congress before he returned to Georgia in 1778. Walton then served as acting Governor of Georgia for less than a year from 1789-1790. In 1795, he also briefly served in the United States Senate representing Georgia.
George Walton in Philadelphia
Walton arrived in Philadelphia for the Second Continental Congress in 1775, and he spent years in Philadelphia while it served as Capital of the United States. While serving as a member of the Second Continental Congress, Walton worked at Independence Hall, and he signed The Declaration of Independence. In 1795, Walton briefly returned to Philadelphia as a U.S. Senator, and he worked in Congress Hall.
A plaque commemorating Walton for signing The Declaration of Independence can be found on Signers' Walk on the 600 block of Chestnut Street (between 5th and 6th Streets). Signers' Garden pays tribute to the Founding Fathers, including those such as Walton, who signed The Declaration of Independence. Congress Hall, Signers' Garden, Signer's Walk and Independence Hall are all visited on The Constitutional Walking Tour!
