The United States Declaration of Independence was signed primarily on August 2, 1776, according to modern historical consensus.
The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4, 1776, which is why July 4 became the country’s Independence Day and the date used for the America250 anniversary. The formal signing of the engrossed parchment, however, occurred mainly weeks later at the Pennsylvania State House, now called Independence Hall.
The distinction matters because popular artwork often depicts all delegates signing together on July 4. Historical evidence indicates that many delegates were absent on that day, and some were not yet authorized or present. Most historians therefore identify August 2 as the principal signing date, while recognizing that additional signatures may have been added later.
The Declaration ultimately carried 56 signatures. John Hancock signed as president of Congress and wrote his name prominently, helping create the familiar American expression “John Hancock” for a signature.