Fascinating Facts About the Declaration of Independence

In my last newsletter, I promised some fascinating facts about the Declaration of Independence. I like to keep my word, so I’ve dragged myself to my desk to write this, despite just getting back from my holiday yesterday and still officially not supposed to be doing any writing work.

In Britain, the US War of Independence is rarely covered in school curricula (is it due to residual bitterness, who knows? 😉). I knew little about the topic, and, as usual, I got engrossed in my research.

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most celebrated documents in American history, yet much of what people think they know about it is incomplete or just wrong. Beyond the familiar phrases about equality and liberty lies a treasure trove of surprising stories, forgotten details and historical quirks that reveal how extraordinary (and imperfect) America’s founding moment truly was.

Here are five fascinating facts about what could be described as the most significant breakup letter in history.

1. The declaration wasn’t signed on 4^th July

Americans celebrate 4^th July as Independence Day, but the famous painting of the founders dramatically signing the declaration on that date is misleading. Congress approved the final text on 4^th July, but most delegates didn’t sign the document until 2^nd August 1776.

Facts About the Declaration of Independence — John Trumbull’s painting, *Declaration of Independence*, depicting the five-man drafting committee of the Declaration of Independence presenting their work to the Congress. 1819

The confusion stems from the multiple steps involved. Congress voted for independence on 2^nd July then approved the wording on 4^th July. Printed copies were then authorised and the formal signing occurred weeks later. They did have a party with fireworks on the 4^th to celebrate. This means the holiday Americans celebrate marks the adoption of the text, not the official signing.

“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America.”
John Adams, in a letter to his wife.

As one of the Founding Fathers, Mr Adams clearly thought the 2^nd was going to be the date.

2. Only 26 original printed copies survive

On the night of 4^th July, printer John Dunlap produced about 200 copies of the declaration, known as Dunlap Broadsides, to distribute across the colonies. Today, only 26 copies exist.

The signed declaration, the one recognised as the original today, is a handwritten copy also known as an ‘engrossed copy’, likely penned by Timothy Matlack.

One of the most astonishing discoveries happened in 1989, when a man bought an old picture frame at a flea market for $4 and found an original Dunlap Broadside hidden inside. That copy later sold for $8.1 million, a reminder that history sometimes hides in the most unexpected places.

3. The declaration wasn’t an original idea

Thomas Jefferson is celebrated as the principal author of the declaration, but even he admitted that the document’s ideas were not philosophically groundbreaking. Many of its concepts and specific phrases were borrowed from earlier works, including the Virginia Declaration of Rights, colonial charters and the political writing of John Locke.

Jefferson’s draft underwent over 80 edits by the Committee of Five and Congress. One of the most significant deleted passages condemned the slave trade. This section was removed to appease delegates from South Carolina and Georgia.

Far from being a lone stroke of genius, the declaration was a collaborative effort shaped by political necessity, philosophical tradition and compromise.

4. The declaration was largely ignored for a century

The declaration has not always been the revered symbol it is today in the US. After its initial purpose was fulfilled, the document fell into obscurity for decades.

It wasn’t until Abraham Lincoln invoked the declaration’s principles in the Gettysburg Address in 1863 that it regained national prominence. Lincoln reframed the declaration as a moral compass for the nation, emphasising equality and human rights. His interpretation helped cement the declaration as a foundational text not just for independence, but for American identity and democratic ideals.

5. There isn’t a secret code on the back

Fans of the movie National Treasure may recall a dramatic hidden message on the back of the Declaration. (I love that movie!) There is writing on the reverse side, but it’s far less mysterious. The back simply reads: “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776.”

Historians believe this inscription was added as a label when the document was rolled up for storage. While it’s not a treasure map, it offers a small, intriguing glimpse into how the declaration was handled and preserved in its early years.

Bonus fact: the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and other important documents were delivered under armed guard to Fort Knox in Kentucky and stored there during the Second World War. On 13^th December 1952, they were delivered to The National Archives in Washington DC, where they have remained since.

Why these facts matter

These facts reveal a complex and human story behind the Declaration of Independence. Rather than a flawless moment of patriotic unity, the creation of the declaration was shaped by political compromise, philosophical borrowing, logistical challenges and continues to influence society with evolving interpretations. Nothing changes in politics ☺️.

Understanding these lesser-known details reveals the declaration not just as a symbol, but as a living document that has been re-discovered, re-interpreted and re-invigorated across generations. Its power lies not only in the words Jefferson wrote, but in the way Americans continue to wrestle with its promises.

“This ball of liberty… is now so well in motion that it will roll around the globe.”
Thomas Jefferson, 1795

The declaration’s enduring legacy reminds us that independence was not a single moment, but is a continuing effort to define and defend the principles of equality, liberty and human rights. Many argue it inspired the French Revolution a decade later, but sometimes, the most fascinating parts of history are the ones hiding behind the frame of a $4 flea-market find (and the secret desire for a treasure map on the back).