John Hancock's oversized signature appears first on the Declaration of Independence, a document central to America250.
Hancock was president of the Second Continental Congress when the document was adopted. As presiding officer, he signed first, placing his name prominently beneath the text. His large, flowing signature became famous and later helped inspire the American use of “John Hancock” as a synonym for a signature.
Hancock was a wealthy Massachusetts merchant and an important supporter of the Patriot cause. He had served in the colonial legislature and became a leading figure in Massachusetts politics. His role in Congress made him one of the most visible participants in the declaration's adoption.
Thomas Jefferson drafted most of the declaration, but he did not sign first. Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were also among the signers, but neither had Hancock's position as congressional president. The complete parchment was signed primarily on August 2, 1776, after the declaration had been adopted on July 4.