The Declaration of Independence was formally signed by most delegates on August 2, 1776, a milestone revisited during America250.
Congress adopted the declaration on July 4, but the engrossed parchment was prepared and signed later. Most delegates signed on August 2, while additional signatures were added afterward as representatives became available or as membership changed.
This distinction explains a common mix-up: July 4 is the adoption date and the national Independence Day, while August 2 is the principal signing date. The famous painting by John Trumbull, often called “Declaration of Independence,” depicts the Committee of Five presenting a draft to Congress rather than every delegate signing the document.
The final parchment contains 56 signatures. Some delegates who voted for independence did not sign, and some who signed were not present for the original July 4 vote.