Which American document was first printed as a broadside by John Dunlap?

The Declaration of Independence was first printed as a broadside by John Dunlap. After Congress approved the text on July 4, 1776, the Philadelphia printer produced copies for circulation throughout the colonies.

A broadside is a single large sheet printed on one side, designed for public display or distribution. Dunlap worked through the night and printed roughly 200 copies, now known as the Dunlap broadsides. They were among the earliest public versions of the Declaration.

The source manuscript used by Dunlap has not survived. The printed copies were sent to colonial assemblies, military commanders, and other officials, allowing the announcement of independence to spread quickly beyond the congressional meeting room.

The famous engrossed parchment, handwritten by Timothy Matlack, was prepared later and signed primarily on August 2. That distinction matters: Dunlap's broadside was an early printed publication, not the final ceremonial parchment displayed at the National Archives.