George Mason
George Mason IV
George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, was a Founding Father born in Fairfax County, Virginia.
- Profession
- Statesman, Planter
- From
- Fairfax County, Virginia
- Born
- December 11, 1725
- Years active
- 1759–1792
Early life
Born in 1725 in Fairfax County, Mason was a wealthy planter and self-educated legal scholar who built the estate Gunston Hall.
Career
He drafted the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights, a direct model for the U.S. Bill of Rights, but refused to sign the Constitution over its lack of one.
Major achievements
His insistence on enumerated rights profoundly shaped American constitutional liberty.
Legacy
Honored as a "Father of the Bill of Rights," Mason lends his name to George Mason University.
References
Related personalities
Carter Glass
Politician
Carter Glass, a U.S. senator and architect of the Federal Reserve, was born in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Eric Cantor
Politician
Eric Cantor of Richmond served as U.S. House Majority Leader, the highest congressional post held by a Jewish American.
George Washington
Politician · Military
George Washington was the first President of the United States and commander of the Continental Army, born in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
Henry Clay
Politician
Henry Clay, the "Great Compromiser" and architect of the American System, was born in Hanover County, Virginia.