Fifty-six people signed the Declaration of Independence, central to America250’s 1776 commemoration.
The signers were delegates to the Second Continental Congress representing the thirteen colonies. Most signed on August 2, 1776, after the document had been adopted on July 4. Some delegates added their names later, which explains why the adoption date and signing date are different.
The largest signature on the parchment belongs to John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress. His prominent name became one of the best-known symbols of signing the document, although the other delegates also formally affixed their signatures.
The signers represented a wide range of colonial communities and political experiences. They included future presidents, governors, diplomats, military leaders, and merchants. The figure 56 refers to the people who signed, not the number of colonies or congressional delegates present.