John Dickinson (1732-1808)
Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Statesman, author. In influential writings, 1765-74, argued against British policies. Later, as a member, Continental Congress, 1774-76, favored conciliation and opposed the Declaration of Independence; nonetheless, served the patriot cause as colonel, 1st Philadelphia Battalion. President, Pa. Supreme Executive Council, 1782-85. Delegate, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787; a strong supporter of the Constitution. Deeded land to Merion Meeting, 1801-04.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
John Dickinson earned the nickname "Penman of the Revolution" for his influential writings of 1765–74 opposing British taxation, yet he remains one of the founding era's most fascinating contrarians. In the Continental Congress he sought reconciliation and declined to sign the Declaration of Independence, then promptly took up arms as a colonel to serve the patriot cause anyway. He later presided over Pennsylvania's Supreme Executive Council and, as a delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention, became a firm champion of the new federal Constitution.
Why it matters
Dickinson's career embodies the difficult choices of the Revolutionary generation, proving that one could doubt the timing of independence yet remain devoted to building the American republic that followed.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia6.5 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center6.6 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center6.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer6.7 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center6.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall6.8 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir3.6 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge3.8 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo3.9 mi away
- American Bandstand4.0 mi away
- Rocky Steps4.9 mi away
- The Universal Sphere5.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King6.6 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory6.6 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe6.6 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Dunkin'6.6 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca6.6 mi away
- Lamberti Pizza & Market6.7 mi away · 707 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia6.1 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center6.1 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City6.1 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel6.1 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA6.2 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown6.2 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · John Dickinson
Themes & tags
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