7 Lesser-Known Facts about the Declaration of Independence

One of the many unknown facts about the Declaration of Independence is, it symbolises a historic pillar in American history. It signals the legal independence of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain. This revolutionary manifesto was drafted mostly by Thomas Jefferson and passed by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Its main aim was to express grievances against King George III while maintaining the inherent right to self-government. More than a declaration of war, the text was a profound assertion of philosophical concepts, promoting liberty, equality, and unalienable rights—reasons that changed the course of American history. While its significance is widely recognized, many fascinating aspects concerning its creation and aftermath remain unknown.

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7 Facts about the Declaration of Independence

Here are the 7 little known facts about the Declaration of Independence of the United States you may not know:

1. The Declaration of Independence was not Signed on July 4th 1776

While we celebrate July 4th as the Declaration of Independence, it was not actually signed by the majority of its signers on that date. The document was formally adopted on July 4, 1776, but the engrossed (final handwritten) copy was not signed until August 2, 1776, when most delegates affixed their signatures. Some signed even later. 

The Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull, 1819. Courtesy Wikimedia

2. John Hancock’s Famous Signature was Likely a Myth

The popular legend that John Hancock signed his name larger so King George III could read it without his spectacles is wely believed to be a myth. While Hancock’s signature is indeed prominent, it was common practice for the president of a deliberative body to sign documents prominently. His position as president of the Continental Congress naturally led to his larger signature. 

3. The Original Copy of Declaration of Independence has No Signatures

The famous original rough draft of the Declaration, also known as the fair copy, which is housed at the Library of Congress, does not contain any signatures. Because this was the document sent to the printer John Dunlap, who later produced the first printed copies known as Dunlap Broadsides. The signed version of the document came later. 

The first page of Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of Declaration of Independence, Courtesy Wikimedia

4. Its Existence was Kept Secret for Some Time

After the initial printing of the Dunlap Broadsides, the existence and content of the Declaration were not immediately broadcast widely or internationally. Congress ordered that it be “proclaimed in each of the United States and at the head of the Army.” However, its dissemination was relatively localized at first, and it took time for the news and copies to spread. 

5. Only 2 of the 56 Signers Later Became President 

Did you know? Despite the prominence of the signers, only two individuals who signed the Declaration of Independence went on to become President of the United States: John Adams (2nd President) and Thomas Jefferson (3rd President). 

6. The Oldest Signer was 70; The Youngest was 26

Born in 1706, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the oldest signer at 70 years old. Whereas Edward Rutledge, of South Carolina, born in 1749, was the youngest, signing at just 26 years old. This highlights the diverse age range of the men who committed to independence. 

7. The Declaration was not only a US Document

Primarily, it may have been a declaration of American independence, but later on, its ideas and influence spread globally. Its principles of natural rights and self-determination inspired numerous independence movements and political reforms across Europe, Latin America, and beyond in the centuries that followed to become a foundational document for modern liberal democracies. 

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