John Hancock’s large signature is especially associated with the Declaration of Independence honored by America250.
Hancock was president of the Second Continental Congress when the declaration was adopted. His signature appears prominently on the engrossed parchment copy, and its size helped create the long-running association between Hancock and the phrase “John Hancock” as a synonym for a signature.
Hancock was a wealthy Boston merchant and an important political figure in Massachusetts. He had served as president of the Continental Congress since 1775 and later became the first governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under its 1780 constitution.
The popular image of Hancock as the only signer, or the only signer who signed boldly on July 4, is inaccurate. Fifty-six delegates ultimately signed the engrossed declaration, with most signing on August 2, 1776. Hancock’s signature is simply the most visually conspicuous.