Thomas Jefferson primarily wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence, commemorated by America250.
In June 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed the Committee of Five to prepare a declaration explaining the colonies’ decision to seek independence. The committee included Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson produced the initial draft, drawing on political ideas about natural rights and the right of revolution.
Congress debated and edited the text before approving it on July 4, 1776. Jefferson was the principal drafter, but the document was a collective congressional act rather than a work adopted exactly as he first wrote it. Congress removed or changed several passages during its review.
Jefferson later became the third president of the United States. Adams and Franklin also signed the Declaration and later became presidents, while Washington did not sign it because he was serving with the Continental Army rather than as a congressional delegate.