CONTACT   CLIENT PORTAL

FDP Wealth Management

Jun 30, 2025

9 Interesting Facts about the Declaration of Independence

As we get set to mark the 249th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some fascinating details behind this iconic American document. Here are nine interesting facts to explore and enjoy!

  1. 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.
  2. Independence was declared on July 2, the Declaration was adopted on July 4, and it was signed on August 2.
  3. John Hancock was the first to sign.
  4. The Declaration and Constitution were taken to Fort Knox shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
  5. 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.
  6. The first public reading of the Declaration took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.
  7. 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.
  8. John Dunlap made about 200 copies, which were distributed throughout the colonies. There are only 26 known surviving “Dunlap Broadsides.”
  9. 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

I hope these glimpses into our nation’s founding add a little extra spark to the upcoming holiday.

As we celebrate the courage, ideals, and enduring spirit of July 4th, may your holiday be filled with gratitude, reflection, and joy.

Stay safe and have a happy Independence Day!

BACK TO PROSPERITY PARTNERS BLOG

Reproduction Prohibited without Express Permission. Copyright FDP Wealth Management. All rights reserved. Advisory Services offered through FDP Wealth Management, LLC, a state Registered Investment Adviser and Valmark Advisers, Inc. a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through ValMark Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. 130 Springside Drive, Suite 300, Akron, OH 44333-2431 800.765.5201 Prosperity Partners and FDP Wealth Management, LLC are separate entities from ValMark Securities, Inc. and Valmark Advisers, Inc. Prosperity Partners, FDP Wealth Management, LLC, ValMark Securities, Inc., Valmark Advisers Inc., and their representatives do not offer tax advice. You should consult your tax professional regarding your individual circumstances. Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested directly in. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Indices are unmanaged and do not incur fees, one cannot directly invest in an index. You should consult your tax professional regarding your individual circumstances. This information is provided by Financial Jumble, LLC. Financial Jumble, LLC is a separate entity from ValMark Securities, Inc. and ValMark Advisers, Inc.
BACK TO BLOG

RELATED POSTS

The Fed Delivers a Long-Awaited Rate Cut

To virtually no one’s surprise, the Federal Reserve slashed the target on its key interest rate—the fed funds rate—at the conclusion of its meeting on Wednesday. The only question regarding the decision was whether the Fed would cut by a quarter point (25 basis points [bp]; 1 bp = 0.01%) or 50 bp. They opted for 25 bp and a new range of 4.00-4.25%.

READ MORE

Last CPI Tees Up Fed Rate Cut

The only thing that might have been standing in the way between the Federal Reserve and a rate cut this week was last Thursday’s release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). While the inflation figures weren’t particularly soft, August’s data didn’t reflect a sharp rise in prices either, all but guaranteeing that the Fed will move at Wednesday’s meeting.

READ MORE

No Hire, No Fire Economy

For starters, the title is a simplified five-word summary of the labor market. Recall that last week, we explored the low level of layoffs. This week, we shift the focus to hiring trends. But first, let’s take a closer look at the numbers from the latest jobs report.

READ MORE

Initial Claims and Economic Signals: What Investors Watch

Initial claims for unemployment insurance measure the number of people filing for unemployment benefits for the first time. The data is released weekly, making it one of the most up-to-date indicators of labor market conditions. It is a key economic indicator because it offers a real-time snapshot of the health of the labor market.

READ MORE

Heavy Data Week Offers Mixed Picture

Last week was packed with economic developments, as reports poured in from all directions. We saw the release of second-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, the broadest measure of goods and services produced, alongside the July jobs report.

READ MORE