April 17 in American History
Franklin died in Philadelphia at 84, mourned as the most accomplished American of his age. Some 20,000 people — nearly the whole city — turned out for his funeral. Printer, scientist, diplomat, and founder, he had helped invent both the United States and the idea of the practical, self-improving American citizen.
In 1790: Benjamin Franklin dies. Franklin died in Philadelphia at 84, mourned as the most accomplished American of his age.
Franklin died in Philadelphia at 84, mourned as the most accomplished American of his age. Some 20,000 people — nearly the whole city — turned out for his funeral. Printer, scientist, diplomat, and founder, he had helped invent both the United States and the idea of the practical, self-improving American citizen.
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