Proposal. On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, a Virginia delegate of the Continental Congress, proposed “that these united colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states” and called for a declaration of independence, the formation of foreign alliance, and “a plan of confederation.” His proposal was called the Lee Resolution.
Rough draft. On June 10, 1776, the Congress appointed a committee to draft the colonies’ statement of independence. On this committee were Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Thomas Jefferson wrote the document between June 11 and June 28 with John Adams and Benjamin Franklin making changes along the way. Their intent was to express their grievances to King George III, announce their independence from the crown, and describe the values of their new country. Of note are the three fundamental truths the writers wanted to convey: “that all men are created equal, that all men have some rights given to them by God and that among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Revisions. On July 2, 1776, the Lee Resolution was approved by Congress, and the committee presented their written declaration of independence to the rest of the delegates. Congress made some revisions over the next two days.
Approval. In the afternoon of July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was completed, approved, and adopted by Congress.
Copies. After being passed by Congress, the Declaration of Independence was sent to a printer named John Dunlap. He printed 200 copies of what were known as the Dunlap Broadside. The copies had the names of John Hancock and Charles Thomson, President and Secretary (respectively) of the Continental Congress. Copies were distributed throughout the colonies. Today, only 26 of the 200 copies remain.
Rewriting. On July 19, 1776, an official Declaration was copied by hand onto parchment in larger script (a process called engrossing). Timothy Matlack, an assistant to Charles Thomson, the Congress secretary, is believed to have done the engrossing. The document was given the title “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America.”
Signatures. On August 2, 1776, John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the engrossed copy. The delegates present that day added their signatures following custom, beginning at the right and arranged by states from northernmost New Hampshire to southernmost Georgia. In all, 56 delegates eventually signed the parchment.
The King’s copy. The copy of the Declaration of Independence sent to King George III was signed by John Hancock and Charles Thomson to protect the names of the other signers, all of whom were committing treason.
Independence Day. The first celebration took place on July 8, 1776, in Philadelphia. The Declaration of Independence was read aloud, city bells rang out, and bands played.
The Great Seal. Hours after the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams began designing the Great Seal of the United States. Drawings underwent several iterations before being approved on June 20, 1782.
The bald eagle represents strength and freedom. The eagle holds an olive branch in its right talon and 13 arrows in its left, signifying a desire for peace but a readiness for war. A shield with 13 red and white stripes covers the eagle’s breast, symbolizing the 13 original states. The number 13 also appears as 13 stars, 13 arrows, 13 olives, and 13 leaves. The motto (E Pluribus Unum) held in the eagle’s beak is Latin for “Out of Many, One,” representing the union of the states.
Source: National Archives, History.com
