Weekly Market Commentary
As we commemorate the 247th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, let’s take a moment to appreciate some interesting facts about this treasured document. Here are nine fun facts to enjoy!
- Independence was declared on July 2, the Declaration was adopted on July 4, and it was signed on August 2.
- John Hancock was the first to sign
- Thomas Jefferson is considered the author of the Declaration. A five-person committee made up of Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman contributed ideas.
- The Declaration and Constitution were taken to Fort Knox shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
- There is a message on the back of the Declaration that reads, “Original Declaration of Independence dated July 4, 1776.” Experts believe it was added while in storage.
- The first public reading of the Declaration took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.
- When George Washington read the Declaration in New York City on July 9, 1776, the words were so inspiring that the people started a riot.
- John Dunlap made about 200 copies, which were distributed throughout the colonies. There are only 26 known surviving “Dunlap Broadsides.”
- In 1989, someone discovered a previously unknown Dunlap Broadside hidden in a picture frame bought for $4 at a flea market. It sold in 2000 for over $8 million.
Sources: ConstitutionCenter.org, ConstitutionFacts.com, Military.com, CNN
