Thomas Jefferson wrote the principal draft of the Declaration of Independence honored by America’s 250th anniversary.
Jefferson was chosen for the Committee of Five that prepared a declaration explaining why the colonies were separating from Great Britain. The committee also included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston. Jefferson produced the main draft, which the committee reviewed before submitting it to the Continental Congress.
Jefferson was not the sole author of the final text. Congress edited the draft during its consideration in June and July 1776, removing or changing some passages. The final document therefore reflects both Jefferson’s writing and the collective action of Congress. Franklin and Adams helped shape the draft, but Jefferson is conventionally identified as its principal author.