John Hancock signed the largest, most prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence, central to America250.
Hancock was president of the Second Continental Congress when the Declaration was adopted. His large signature appears beneath the text, and later American usage made “John Hancock” a synonym for a signature.
Hancock was a wealthy Boston merchant and an important supporter of the colonial resistance movement. He served as president of the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1777 and later became governor of Massachusetts.
The familiar story that Hancock signed boldly so the British king could read his name is a popular legend rather than a confirmed explanation. The complete engrossed document bears 56 delegates' signatures, and most delegates probably signed on August 2, 1776, rather than all signing on July 4.