#22: Philip Freneau 1771
Known as the “poet of the Revolution,” Freneau later wrote
works that are understood as precursors to the transcendentalist movement,
inspiring Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. He also edited
one of the first national newspapers, supporting Thomas Jefferson and
opposing Alexander Hamilton. 
Read about others on the list. Click on the illustration below to read about each person. You can also select individuals by name in the index below.
By
Michael Witte ’66
Who’s who in the illustration: Numbers in parentheses
represent the rankings on the PAW panel’s list.
