How many colonies were represented by the delegates behind the 1776 Declaration of Independence?

The delegates behind the 1776 Declaration of Independence represented the Thirteen Colonies.

These British colonies along the Atlantic coast declared themselves free and independent states through the Declaration. The group included New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

The number 13 is central to the history surrounding America250. It appears in the original political structure, the flag's early symbolism, and the document's formal title, “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America.”

The colonies were not all equally enthusiastic at every stage. On July 4, 1776, 12 colonial delegations voted in favor while New York abstained because its representatives had not yet received authorization. New York later joined the unanimous declaration.