Fifty-six delegates eventually signed the United States Declaration of Independence, a central document commemorated by America250.
The Declaration was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, but the famous engrossed parchment was signed primarily on August 2 at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, now Independence Hall. Some delegates who were absent on that day signed later.
The 56 signers represented the thirteen colonies, which the document described as free and independent states. John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, placed the most prominent signature. The signers included future presidents such as Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, as well as Benjamin Franklin, the oldest signer at age 70.
The number 56 can cause confusion because thirteen colonies, rather than 56 states, were represented. It can also be confused with the 39 delegates who signed the United States Constitution in 1787. The Declaration’s signatures symbolized collective commitment, even though the delegates’ personal backgrounds and political views varied considerably.