John Hancock became famous for signing the Declaration of Independence in large letters.
Hancock was president of the Second Continental Congress when Congress adopted the Declaration in 1776. As presiding officer, he was the first delegate to sign the document, placing his name prominently beneath the text. His unusually large signature later became associated with the general meaning of “signature.”
Hancock's signature was not the only one on the Declaration. Fifty-six delegates eventually signed, with most names added on August 2, 1776, and some signatures added later. The familiar image of every delegate signing on July 4 is therefore a simplification of the historical process.
Hancock was a wealthy Boston merchant and an important Massachusetts patriot. He served as governor of Massachusetts for much of the period after independence. His signature remains one of the most recognizable details connected with the founding document celebrated by America250.