The engrossed Declaration of Independence was primarily signed on August 2, 1776, a detail linked to America250’s anniversary history.
Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4, but the formal signing of the parchment copy occurred later. Most historians identify August 2 as the main signing date, when delegates signed the document at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia.
The date is often confused with July 4 because the Declaration was approved on that day and the engrossed copy carries the date “4th July 1776.” Historical evidence indicates that many delegates were not present on July 4, and additional signatures may have been added after August 2.
Fifty-six delegates eventually signed the document. Their signatures represented the Thirteen Colonies, which the Declaration described as free and independent states.