John Dunlap printed the first widely distributed broadside of the Declaration of Independence.
Dunlap was an Irish-born printer working in Philadelphia and served as the official printer for the Continental Congress. In July 1776, he produced the first printed copies of the Declaration, now commonly called the Dunlap broadsides. These copies were sent to colonial assemblies, military commanders, and other officials so the news of independence could circulate quickly.
The printed broadside was different from the engrossed parchment document associated with the later signatures. The engrossed copy was prepared on parchment, while Dunlap’s versions were working printed sheets intended for distribution. Only a limited number of Dunlap broadsides are known to survive today, making them important historical artifacts.
John Dunlap is sometimes confused with Benjamin Franklin, another famous colonial printer, or with Thomas Paine, whose pamphlet Common Sense influenced public opinion. Neither printed the first broadside of the Declaration. Dunlap’s role connected the congressional decision in Philadelphia with readers throughout the colonies.