The Declaration of Independence

Drafting

The drafting of the Declaration of Independence was a pivotal moment in American history, involving significant contributions from the Committee of Five. This group, consisting of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman, was tasked with creating a document to announce the colonies' independence to the world. Jefferson, having recently completed the Virginia Declaration of Human Rights, was chosen to draft the initial version, which borrowed heavily from his earlier work.

The Declaration of Independence was a statement of political philosophy and the nature of human rights, as well as a list of political grievances.

--- Gary Arndt

The draft was presented to Congress on June 28, leading to further edits before the final vote on July 2 1.

   

Signatures

The signing of the Declaration of Independence was not as immediate as often portrayed. The initial version, known as the Dunlap Broadside, was printed and distributed without signatures, as the vote itself was the primary concern at the time. It wasn't until July 19 that Congress resolved to create a formal copy on parchment, which was signed by members on August 2.

The Declaration of Independence, being engrossed and compared at the table, was signed by its members.

--- Gary Arndt

This official version, known as the Matlack Declaration, was signed by 56 men, though not all were present for the vote or signed on the same day 2.

   

Versions

The Declaration of Independence exists in several versions, each with its own historical significance. The Dunlap Broadside was the first printed version, while the Matlack Declaration became the official signed copy. Over time, the Matlack Declaration deteriorated, prompting President John Quincy Adams to commission an engraving in 1820, which served as the basis for most subsequent copies.

Almost all subsequent copies of the Declaration of Independence were made off this engraving.

--- Gary Arndt

Efforts to preserve the document increased over the years, with custody eventually transferred to the Library of Congress in 1921 2.