When was the Declaration of Independence signed?

Question: When was the Declaration of Independence signed?

Answer:

The Declaration of Independence, one of the most significant documents in American history, was formally adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This date is widely celebrated as Independence Day in the United States. However, the actual signing of the physical document did not occur on this day, contrary to popular belief.

The majority of the 56 delegates from the 13 colonies signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776, nearly a month after its adoption. This delay was due to the time required to produce an official copy of the document on parchment. Some delegates, such as Thomas McKean of Delaware, may not have signed until months later, possibly as late as January 1777.

Interestingly, John Hancock, serving as the President of the Continental Congress, was the first to sign the document. His signature is famously large and prominent, centered beneath the text.

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The other delegates generally signed in geographical order from north to south, although this was not strictly followed. Despite the varying dates of individual signatures, July 4th remains the official date of the United States’ declaration of independence from Great Britain.