Was the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th.
On July 4th the firecrackers were popping, the smell of barbeques filled the air, and we had a belief that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th but was it really. I mean it's what we have been celebrating for long time. Is July 4th really America's birthday? Let pop this balloon to figure out the truth.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
The Declaration of Independence was a document to formally state that the thirteen American colonies were now independent states. It mainly explains why the King George III was treating the unfairly and not giving the colonists a say in how they feel. It's most famous line is that ,“all men are created equal.” The Declaration of Independence names , “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” The Declaration of Independence was mainly written by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. It was signed by 56 representatives of the colonies, including John Hancock’s signature which he wrote extra big.
Is the Declaration of Independence signed on July 4th?
The Declaration of Independence was not signed on July 4th! Many people believe this commonly misconception because the Declaration of Independence was finalized on July 4th. On July 4th only John Hancock and the secretary signed or authenticated on that day. The 56 representatives got to sign it on August 2, 1776 which is about a month later. Some of the representatives didn't get to sign it until later.
Fun Facts
John Adams believed the Americans would celebrate Independence day on July 2nd, since the congress actually voted the independence. Two presidents died on its anniversary.Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4,1826. That is exactly 50 years after it was finalized. Adams' last words were reportedly "Thomas Jefferson survives" — not knowing that Jefferson had actually died a few hours earlier that same day.
Sources
National Archives – Declaration of Independence
https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/declaration-of-independence
National Archives – "Making It Official: The Day the Declaration Was Signed"
Britannica – Declaration of Independence
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Declaration-of-Independence
National Constitution Center – About the Declaration of Independence
https://constitutioncenter.org/declaration/about-the-declaration-of-independence
National Park Service – Declaration of Independence Timeline
https://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/resources-declarationofindependence.htm
Ben's Guide (U.S. Government Publishing Office) – Declaration of Independence, 1776
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