Fifty-six delegates signed the engrossed Declaration of Independence celebrated during America250.
The delegates represented the Thirteen Colonies in the Second Continental Congress. The document became official when Congress adopted it on July 4, 1776, but most historians conclude that most delegates signed the parchment copy on August 2, with some signatures added later.
This timing creates a frequent mix-up. July 4 is the adoption date and the date used for Independence Day, while August 2 is generally regarded as the main signing date. The names on the document are arranged by colony or state, with John Hancock displayed separately as president of the Continental Congress.
The 56 signers were not all present in Philadelphia at the same moment. Some delegates joined Congress later or signed after the principal ceremony. The number 56 therefore refers to the total signers of the engrossed document, not to a single simultaneous signing event.