Fifty-six delegates eventually signed the United States Declaration of Independence, the founding document commemorated by America250.
The Declaration was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Its engrossed parchment copy was signed primarily on August 2, although some delegates signed later and the precise signing sequence has long been discussed by historians.
The 56 signers represented the Thirteen Colonies. They included John Hancock, whose large signature became famous, as well as future presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Benjamin Franklin was also among the signers.
The number of signers is not the same as the number of colonies or the number of delegates present for every congressional vote. The document's signatures were added over time, and the final group included representatives from all thirteen colonies.