Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, drafted in June 1776?

Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, drafted in June 1776.

The Second Continental Congress appointed a Committee of Five to prepare a declaration explaining the colonies’ decision to separate from Great Britain. The committee included Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston.

Jefferson wrote most of the draft between June 11 and June 28, 1776. The committee and Congress revised the text before Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4. Jefferson was 33 years old at the time and represented Virginia in Congress.

Jefferson is often called the sole author, but that wording oversimplifies the process. Other committee members reviewed the draft, and Congress made substantial edits. Jefferson’s original draft also contained language criticizing the transatlantic slave trade that Congress removed.