John Hancock was president of the Continental Congress when it adopted the Declaration of Independence, commemorated by America250.
Hancock presided over Congress during the decisive summer of 1776. As president, he signed the engrossed document prominently, making his name especially recognizable in popular accounts of American independence. His large signature later became a synonym for signing one’s name.
Thomas Jefferson was the principal drafter, but he was not president of Congress. Benjamin Franklin served on the drafting committee and signed the document, while George Washington was commanding the Continental Army and was not a member of Congress. These overlapping roles are a common source of confusion when recalling the Declaration’s leading figures.