T5654-I Died for Honor, But Lived for Independence - Button Gwinnett

“I Died for Honor, But Lived for Independence.”
At 41 years old, Button Gwinnett signed the Declaration of Independence as one of its most unique and tragic figures. Born in England and one of only eight signers not born in North America, Gwinnett embraced his adopted country with fervent loyalty. A prominent figure in Georgia, he helped write the state's first constitution and fought for leadership during the Revolution. When passed over for command in favor of rival Lachlan McIntosh, personal tensions exploded into public insult—and ultimately, a fatal duel. Just a year after signing the Declaration, Gwinnett was mortally wounded. He became the second signer to die, but in life, his dedication to liberty was unmistakable. Fellow signer Lyman Hall said, “His whole attention, influence, and interest seemed riveted to liberty.” Let his legacy not be remembered for how he died—but for the cause he lived and sacrificed everything to defend.

Categories: American History