Historical Nonfiction

Some Declaration of Independence facts:

• Only two people actually signed it on July 4th. Most signed it on July 6th, but people kept signing it until August!
• The original copies were on parchment, which is specially treated animal skin.
• Although Thomas Jefferson had the strongest voice in writing it, he was one of a “Committee of Five” appointed to draft a declaration.
• John Hancock, President of the Congress, was the first (largest) signatory
• A handprint of unknown origin is on the original, but archivists are too afraid to remove it.
• There is writing on the back — but it is rather boring. It simply states “Original Declaration of Independence, dated 4th July 1776.”