1776 July 4

Declaration of Independence !

 

The Declaration of Independence is celebrated on this day, which marked the announcement by the Continental Congress of the independence of the thirteen American colonies from England.

The Declaration, largely written by Thomas Jefferson, was formally approved on July 2nd, and John Adams wanted that day to become the official holiday.

There were actually several versions of the Declaration. The most important version, which is now in the National Archives, was ordered to be printed by the Continental Congress on the 19th of July and signed on the 2nd of August.

In case you haven’t read it lately, here it is: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html

Visit the National Archives: http://www.archives.gov/

Learn more about the different editions of the Declaration: http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/work?id=olbp58078

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