Where Was the Declaration of Independence Signed?

The summer of 1776 was a tense time for the young English colonies that had taken root in America. In no location was this more true than in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the location where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

The Declaration of Independence was signed in the Philadelphia State House (later renamed Independence Hall), on June 7, 1776. This is where Richard Henry Lee, the Continental Congressional Representative of Virginia, submitted an important resolution to the Congress.

On that auspicious date, Representative Lee declared that

“these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

This phrase, still ringing in the ears of Thomas Jefferson as he drafted the Declaration of Independence, spurred on the fledgling revolution.

Pennsylvania State House

The Pennsylvania State House, located in the heart of Philadelphia, had been selected as the meeting place for the Continental Congress (from 1775-1778, this Congress served as the federal government of the U.S.).

Construction of the Pennsylvania State House began in 1732; it was widely regarded as the most ambitious public construction project of its time. Not only is the building a beautiful piece of architecture, but the project was funded completely by the local Pennsylvania government (not a small undertaking in that era). Being funded locally meant the building was finished piecemeal as finances allowed. It was not until 1753, twenty-one years after groundbreaking, that the State House was finished.

Writing of the Declaration of Independence

Although you know where it was signed now, your knowledge isn't complete without some understanding of where the Declaration was written.

Following the Lee Resolution, the Continental Congress recessed for three weeks. It was during this period that Jefferson and his Committee of Five wrote the Declaration of Independence. John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were among the Representatives in this committee. 

For weeks the committee worked. Jefferson, as the most eloquent, wrote the first draft of the document. In writing the Declaration, he drew on ideas from his fellow Representatives, as well as the ideas of famous political philosophers such as John Locke.

During this recess, public sentiment against Britain had continued to grow. Thomas Paine’s pro-independence pamphlet, “Common Sense,” gained popularity as colonists (some for the very first time) began to ponder a permanent break from England. “Common Sense” was first published in January of 1776; by May of that year it had sold thousands of copies. Lee’s resolution supporting independence grew out of this movement.

By May of 1776, eight of the thirteen colonies had voiced their support for independence from England. It was a month later that Richard Henry Lee brought the issue to the Continental Congress.

Finally, on July 1, 1776, the Congress reconvened. It was on July 2, 1776 that twelve of the thirteen colonies adopted the Lee Resolution (New York did not vote). Almost immediately after this resolution passed, Congress began considering the new Declaration of Independence. For two long days the Congress worked in their small room in the Philadelphia State House. Located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Pennsylvania suffers through very hot and humid summers. The summer of 1776 was no exception. In fact, it was during a particularly nasty heat wave that the Declaration was debated and revised.

It was in the late morning hours of July 4, 1776 that the Declaration was adopted and signed by the President of the Continental Congress, John Hancock. It was at this point that church bells throughout Philadelphia began to ring, celebrating the independence of the new nation.

Philadelphia's Role in the Revolution

Philadelphia continued to play an important role throughout the fight for independence. In fact, it was in this same room of the Pennsylvania State House where the Constitution of the United States was signed in 1787.

Today, this historic building is perfectly preserved for all to see. Independence Hall currently operates as a free museum for tourists who come to Philadelphia. Walking through this fascinating building, visitors can look (but not sit!) upon the very chair where John Hancock sat as he presided over the Continental Congress. It is truly impossible to walk the hallowed halls of this building without feeling the full importance of what was done in Philadelphia over two hundred and thirty years ago.