When was Declaration of Independence Signed? Know History, Dates, and Key Figures

When was Declaration of Independence signed? While adopted on July 4, 1776, the engrossed Declaration of Independence was primarily signed on August 2, 1776, in Philadelphia. This pivotal document declared America's freedom from British rule under the authorship of Thomas Jefferson.

Jun 21, 2025, 23:10 EDT

The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress.

America celebrates Independence Day on July 4th every year. This date is etched into the nation’s collective memory as the birth of a new republic. Yet, the answer to “When was Declaration of Independence signed?” is known to few. The iconic document was not signed on that celebratory day. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, which was accepted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, but the majority of the delegates did not sign it until August 2, 1776. The journey began at Philadelphia's Independence Hall, propelled by Britain's repressive Stamp Act of 1765 and ten years of insurrection. But why did the signing take several weeks? And how could a tax on paper ignite a revolution? Let us simplify the complex sequence that gave birth to a nation hereon.

History and Timeline of the Declaration of Independence

The story underlying the signing of the Declaration of Independence is more complex than most people think, which explains why so many people get the date wrong. Yes, on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress officially signed the Declaration, marking the colonies' dramatic split from Britain. But here’s the catch: that famous parchment everyone pictures, with Hancock’s flamboyant signature at the center? It didn’t even exist yet. After the vote, Congress needed a formal, handwritten version for delegates to sign, a task given to Timothy Matlack, whose careful penmanship turned revolutionary ideas into a lasting national treasure.

The primary signing of this engrossed document began on August 2, 1776, at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, now Independence Hall of the United States. While John Hancock likely signed the adopted resolution on July 4th to authenticate it, the majority of delegates formally signed the engrossed parchment on August 2nd. Not all 56 delegates were there that day; some signed later, while others did not sign at all.

The drafting of the Declaration was a purposeful procedure rather than an unplanned incident. From Richard Henry Lee's independence resolution on June 7, 1776, to New York's ultimate acceptance on July 9, 1776, followed by engrossment and staggered signings, the path to independence unfolded in accurately planned steps.

The Declaration of Independence Timeline

Here is a timeline of key dates related to the Declaration of Independence:

Date	Important Event
June 7, 1776	Lee Resolution Proposed
July 4, 1776	Declaration Adopted
July 19, 1776	Congress ordered engrossment
August 2, 1776	Primary Signing

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Who Wrote the Declaration of Independence?

In June 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a Committee of Five to draft the Declaration. Thomas Jefferson, just 33, penned the first version. His words blended Enlightenment philosophy with colonial grievances: “All men are created equal” countered monarchy, while 27 accusations against King George III justified rebellion. Later on, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin edited Jefferson’s draft, sharpening its bite. Finally, on July 4, 1776, Congress adopted the final text, but only two men, John Hancock and Charles Thomson, signed that day.

When and Where was the Declaration of Independence Signed?

Contrary to popular belief, July 4 was adoption day, not signing day. So, when was the Declaration of Independence signed? Why the delay?

Copies had to be handwritten for all 56 delegates.
Signers faced execution for treason. In fact, many hesitated until assurances of mutual protection.
Not to mention, delegates trickled into Philadelphia through July.

On August 2, 1776, 50 delegates inked their names in Independence Hall. The last signer, Thomas McKean, didn’t add his until 1777. The location? A room now called the Declaration Chamber, where the Liberty Bell once rang.

Key Signatories of the Declaration of Independence

Here are some notable signatories of the Declaration of American Independence:

Key Figures	State Represented	Significance
John Hancock	Massachusetts	President of the Continental Congress; first and most iconic signer.
Thomas Jefferson	Virginia	Primary author of the Declaration, future U.S. President.
John Adams	Massachusetts	Committee of Five member, key advocate for independence, future U.S. President.
Benjamin Franklin	Pennsylvania	Committee of Five member, renowned statesman and inventor.
Roger Sherman	Connecticut	Only person to sign all four great state papers of the U.S.

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The Declaration of Independence did more than just cut connections with Britain; it established America's democratic framework. Its values of liberty, equality, and self-government not only shaped a new nation but also served as a global rallying cry for freedom that continues to resonate today. This was not an intellectual exercise; each signature marked an act of treason punishable by death.

Today, visitors to Washington's National Archives can see the original document. Though time has dimmed the ink, the power has not decreased. Hancock's colorful signature still dominates the page, and Jefferson's lyrical text continues to inspire, tangible proof of how words on parchment brought down an empire.