The Oft-Forgotten Founding Father: How John Jay’s Many Contributions Helped to Safeguard the Foundations of Our Republic

How John Jay, the first chief justice and contributor to the Federalist Papers, helped establish the foundation of American democracy

Unfinished oil sketch of “American Commissioners of the Preliminary Peace Agreement With Great Britain” by Benjamin West, 1783 to 1784. From left to right: John Jay, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Henry Laurens, and William Temple Franklin. Public domain

In 1782, John Jay traveled to Paris with Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to discuss peace terms with the British. He, in particular, fought for British recognition of the United States and for all of the land east of the Mississippi, doubling the size of the nation. But doubling the nation was only a fraction of his contributions to establish, solidify, and ensure the safety of the newborn country.

While in Paris, and with the help of his wife, he befriended the Marquis de Lafayette, Angelica Schuyler, and other important figures living in France. These ties were vital to the relationship between the United States and France, the young country’s only ally during the Revolution. Jay prevented France and Great Britain from having their own secret negotiations that would have put fledgling America at a great disadvantage. After the negotiations in Paris, Jay and his family returned to New York, where he helped build the United States government.

The Jay Legacy for America

Three generations of the Jay family embodied the quintessential American ideals, none more so than John. John Jay was born in New York in 1745. His grandfather had come to America seeking freedom from religious persecution in France, and he built a life for himself as a merchant. Jay’s father continued in the trade, building his wealth and providing for his family, succeeding in the American dream. John Jay would continue this legacy through many years of service to the fledgling United States of America.