John Dunlap printed about 200 broadside copies of the declaration central to America250.
Dunlap was the official printer for the Second Continental Congress. After Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, he worked overnight to produce copies for distribution throughout the colonies.
These first printed versions are known as the Dunlap broadsides. They were sent to colonial governments, military leaders, and other recipients, including George Washington’s army. The copies helped spread the declaration’s message quickly before the famous engrossed parchment was signed.
The number is approximate because historical accounts generally describe the printing as about 200 copies. Only a small number of Dunlap broadsides survive today, making them exceptionally valuable historical artifacts.