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The original Declaration of Independence is in the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC. The Declaration of Independence was a catalyst for the Revolutionary War, which eventually led to the formation of the Continental Army and the defeat of the British during the American Revolution. Independence Day Speech Resources: Fact Sheet Congressional Research Service 1 Introduction Independence Day, often called the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This guide is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to Independence Day celebrations. The Declaration of Independence states the principles on which our government, and our identity as Americans, are based. Unlike the other founding documents, the Declaration of Independence is not legally binding, but it is powerful. On July 1, 1776, Congress reconvened. The following day, the Lee Resolution for independence was adopted by 12 of the 13 colonies, New York not voting. Immediately afterward, the Congress began to consider the Declaration. Declaration of Independence: A Transcription Note: The following text is a transcription of the Stone Engraving of the parchment Declaration of Independence (the document on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.) The spelling and punctuation reflects the original. The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men representing 13 colonies. 8 of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence were from Britain. Benjamin Franklin was the oldest to sign the Declaration of Independence, at the age of 70. Edward Rutledge was the youngest to sign the Declaration of Independence at 26 years old. Go Back to Digital Vaults Press Kit The National Archives Experience celebrates the American spirit and reveals how our nation’s past is a living part of our nation’s future. This multi-million dollar initiative, started in 2003, transformed the visitor experience at the National Archives Washington, DC building, and included a renovation of the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom and the Fun Facts about the Charters of Freedom The Charters of Freedom are: The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. The original Declaration of Independence, the first and last pages of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are on permanent display in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. The Constitution consists of On July 19, 1776, the Continental Congress ordered the Declaration of Independence to be engrossed—or written out in a large legible hand. Timothy Matlack, a clerk in the Pennsylvania State House, was the scribe charged with this task. National Archives and Records Administration, “The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription.” An official transcript of the full text of the Declaration of Independence, including a list of the 56 signatures that appear on the original document. GPO, “Our Flag.” Among the records in its holdings are our nation’s founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. The records of the nation's civil, military, and diplomatic activities are held by the National Archives and Records Administration in trust for present and future generations. The Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence on 4th of July. The foundation of 4th of July celebrations lies in one of history’s most important documents. The Declaration of Independence didn’t just announce America’s break from Britain—it established principles that would influence democratic movements worldwide. Independence Day Speech Resources: Fact Sheet Congressional Research Service 1 Introduction Independence Day, often called the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday recognizing the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This guide is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to Independence Day events. On permanent display in the National Archives Rotunda is the original engrossed Declaration of Independence. Signed by 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress, it broke ties with Britain and proclaimed that the united colonies are free, independent states. The 250th anniversary of the Declaration will be marked in 2026 and, to celebrate, we are sharing some of the most iconic The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights (on permanent display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.) have guaranteed the rights and freedoms of Americans for more than 200 years. National Archives and Records Administration, “The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription.” An official transcript of the full text of the Declaration of Independence, including a list of the 56 signatures that appear on the original document. The official copy of the Declaration of Independence, which was signed by the delegates to the Continental Congress on August 2, 1776, is enshrined and on permanent display along with the Constitution and Bill of Rights in the Rotunda of the National Archives. Fact Sheet: New Encasements for the Charters of Freedom. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights (on permanent display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. until July 5, 2001) have guaranteed the rights and freedoms of Americans for more than 200 years. The museum wing of the National Archives, the National Archives Museum is the home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Located at 701 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20408. Admission is always free. Information obtained from: American Council of Learned Societies. American National Biography. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. Who Was Who in America: Historical Volume 1607-1896. Chicago: The A.N. Marquis Company, 1963. Back to The Signer's Gallery
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