Gouverneur Morris (1752-1816)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
A Pennsylvania delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Morris became known as the “Penman of the Constitution” for his role in drafting the Pre-amble, “We the People.” Resided at Mary Dalley’s boarding house nearby during that time.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Gouverneur Morris served as a Pennsylvania delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and it was his pen that gave the finished document much of its final polish. He is remembered as the "Penman of the Constitution" for drafting the Preamble and its ringing opening words, "We the People." During that momentous summer he lodged at Mary Dalley's boarding house nearby.
Why it matters
Morris helped give voice to the founding charter of the United States, framing the nation not as a league of states but as a people—an idea that still defines American self-government.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Paradigm Gallery + Studionearby · 12 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- United States Postal Service Museumnearby · 316 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Franklin Print Shopnearby · 320 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fragments of Franklin Courtnearby
- Benjamin Franklin Museumnearby
- Science History Institute0.1 mi away · 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- First Bank of the United States0.2 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.2 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.2 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- City Tavern0.2 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.2 mi away
- Elfreth's Alley0.2 mi away
Food & drink
- PrimoHoagiesnearby · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Forknearby · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffeenearby · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- 3J's Cafenearby · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bubble Tea Roomnearby · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanicsnearby · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
Places to stay
- Apple Hostelsnearby · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphianearby · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotelnearby · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Philadelphia House0.1 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.2 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Penn's View Hotel0.2 mi away · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
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Related people
- · Gouverneur Morris
Related events
- · Constitutional Convention of 1787
Themes & tags
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