The Declaration of Independence was first publicly read aloud in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.
The reading took place at the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. Colonel John Nixon delivered the text to a crowd gathered near the building, making the revolutionary document accessible to people beyond the delegates who had debated it in Congress.
Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4, but the public reading came four days later. The document was then read in other locations, including to American troops, helping spread the news that the colonies had formally announced separation from Great Britain.
The first public reading is sometimes confused with the signing. The parchment was signed by most delegates on August 2, 1776, although additional signatures were added later. Thus July 4 marks adoption, July 8 marks the first public reading in Philadelphia, and August 2 marks the principal signing ceremony.