Richard Bassett (April 2, 1745 – September 15, 1815) was an American politician, attorney, slave owner and later abolitionist, veteran of the American Revolution, signer of the United States Constitution, and one of the Founding Fathers of America.

Born on April 2, 1745, in Cecil County, Province of Maryland, British America,[2] Bassett pursued preparatory studies, then read law.

[3] By concentrating on agricultural pursuits as well as religious and charitable concerns, he quickly established himself amongst the local gentry and "developed a reputation for hospitality and philanthropy.

[2] He served in the Delaware State Militia as a company captain of the Dover Light Horse Regiment from 1777 to 1781.

[7] Bassettown, now Washington, Pennsylvania, was named in Bassett's honor by his cousin David Hoge.