While not born in Ireland, three signers of the Declaration of Independence were first-generation Americans. The following sketches illustrate how the sons of Irish immigrants contributed to both the Revolution and the creation of the United States.

George Read was born in Maryland in 1733, the son of an Irish immigrant from Dublin. Raised in Delaware, he became a lawyer and prominent political leader. Although he initially favored reconciliation with Britain, Read participated in the Constitutional Congress and ultimately signed the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas McKean was born in Pennsylvania in 1734, following the emigration of his parents (as children) from County Antrim. A lawyer, judge, and tireless patriot, McKean served in the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration, and spent decades in public service, eventually becoming Governor of Pennsylvania.

Edward Rutledge, born in South Carolina to an Irish immigrant from County Tyrone, was a lawyer and the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence at just 26 years old. He served as a wartime artillery captain, was held as a British prisoner of war, and later became Governor of South Carolina.