Declaration of Independence

Table of Contents

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

John Trumbull: Declaration of Independence

Learn how the Declaration of Independence was drafted, reviewed by Congress, and adopted

Committee of Congress. Drafting the Declaration of Independence

Delving deeper into the Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence, National Archives, Washington, D.C.

For Students

Declaration of Independence Key Facts

Declaration of Independence Timeline

Declaration of Independence Causes and Effects

Declaration of Independence

Q: What is the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence, the founding document of the United States, was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and announced the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. It explained why the Congress on July 2 “unanimously” (by the votes of 12 colonies, with New York abstaining) had resolved that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States.”

Q: Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?

On August 2, 1776, roughly a month after the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, an “engrossed” version was signed at the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall ) in Philadelphia by most of the congressional delegates (engrossing is rendering an official document in a large clear hand). Not all the delegates were present on August 2. Eventually, 56 of them signed the document. Two delegates, John Dickinson and Robert R. Livingston , never signed.

Q: Where is the Declaration of Independence?

Since 1952 the original parchment document of the Declaration of Independence has resided in the National Archives exhibition hall in Washington, D.C. , along with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights . Before then it had a number of homes and protectors, including the State Department and the Library of Congress . For a portion of World War II it was kept in the Bullion Depository at Fort Knox , Kentucky.

Q: How is the Declaration of Independence preserved?

In the 1920s the Declaration of Independence was enclosed in a frame of gold-plated bronze doors and covered with double-paned plate glass with gelatin films between the plates to block harmful light rays. Today it is held in an upright case constructed of ballistically tested glass and plastic laminate. A $3 million camera and computerized system monitor the condition of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution , and Bill of Rights .

United States history

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Feb 17, 2024 • Article History

Recent News

Feb. 17, 2024, 8:03 AM ET (AP)

What does it mean to claim the US is a Christian nation, and what does the Constitution say?

Feb. 17, 2024, 8:00 AM ET (AP)

Christian-nation idea fuels US conservative causes, but historians say it misreads founders' intent

What is the Declaration of Independence?

Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?

Where is the Declaration of Independence?

How is the Declaration of Independence preserved?

Declaration of Independence, in U.S. history, document that was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and that announced the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. It explained why the Congress on July 2 “unanimously” by the votes of 12 colonies (with New York abstaining) had resolved that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States.” Accordingly, the day on which final separation was officially voted was July 2, although the 4th, the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted, has always been celebrated in the ...(100 of 1512 words)

Access the full article

Help support true facts by becoming a member.