Physical History of the United States Declaration of Independence
The United States Declaration of Independence is one of the most significant documents in American history, formally announcing the separation of the thirteen American colonies from British rule. Beyond its ideological significance, the physical history of the Declaration itself is a fascinating tale of preservation, display, and its journey through time.
Drafting and Adoption
The drafting of the Declaration was assigned to a committee of five, including Thomas Jefferson, who is credited as the principal author. The document was officially adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, a date now commemorated as Independence Day.
Signing and Original Copies
The signing of the Declaration predominantly took place on August 2, 1776, at the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. The original engrossed copy, handwritten on parchment, was signed by 56 delegates.
Preservation and Display
Over time, the physical condition of the Declaration has been a concern due to its delicate nature. During the War of 1812, as the British advanced toward Washington D.C., the document was hidden in Leesburg, Virginia to ensure its safety. In 1823, John Quincy Adams, then Secretary of State, commissioned a copperplate engraving to preserve its text.
The Declaration underwent several relocations, including a notable period during World War II when it was moved to the Fort Knox gold depository for protection. Today, it resides in the National Archives in Washington, D.C., where it is displayed in a specially designed case to control humidity and light exposure.
Notable Discoveries and Replicas
Historically, several copies and replicas of the Declaration have been created for various purposes. The Dunlap broadsides were the first printed versions distributed to the public. In 1820, William J. Stone produced a facsimile of the original document using a new technique that involved lifting the ink from the original parchment to make a copperplate.
In modern times, discoveries of rare copies have been made, such as the "Dunlap Broadside" found in the back of an old picture frame at a flea market in 1989, which sold at auction for a significant amount.