When you list the architects of the United States, names like Washington, Jefferson, and Hamilton come to mind. But what if one of the most essential founders has been hiding in plain sight? John Jay’s resume is almost unmatched: he was a co-author of the Federalist Papers, the nation’s chief diplomat, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and an anti-slavery governor. His steady hand helped build the nation’s bedrock institutions, yet he rarely gets the same recognition.

In this episode of Forgotten Fridays, Stephen and Leah pull John Jay out of the historical footnotes and into the spotlight. We explore why his cautious and principled nature made him a brilliant statesman but not a famous icon. Discover his crucial role in foreign policy, his unpopular but necessary Jay Treaty that prevented a war, and his quiet, foundational work on the Supreme Court. Join us to learn about the indispensable Founding Father whose legacy of quiet competence and steady leadership is more important now than ever.

Research Links

Columbia University | John Jay | https://jay.columbia.edu/

National Archives | John Jay | https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jay-01-01-02-0001

Oyez | John Jay | https://www.oyez.org/justices/john_jay