Dunlap Declaration of Independence, 1776

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Dunlap Declaration of Independence, 1776

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Description

One of 26 known copies to survive from the original printing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. The broadsides, printed by John Dunlap, were not expected to be permanent copies. Dunlap broadsides were the first printed versions of the Declaration.

The Maine Historical Society copy is the first state of the first edition Dunlap printed on the night of July 4, 1776. The Dunlap printing exists in two states. The first state is the official text that was inserted into a blank space in the rough journal of the Continental Congress.

The later handwritten copy that contains signatures was written from the first printed state.

This copy displays a Dutch watermark that is visible upon close inspection around the middle of the page, at the beginning of the Declaration's main text. The mark, which bears a Dutch sigil and "GR," may refer either to "Georgius Rex" or "Groot Rijkswapen."

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About This Item

  • Title: Dunlap Declaration of Independence, 1776
  • Creator: John Dunlap
  • Creation Date: 1776-07-04
  • Subject Date: 1776-07-04
  • Location: Philadelphia, PA
  • Media: Ink on paper
  • Dimensions: 47 cm x 38 cm
  • Local Code: Coll. 420
  • Collection: John S. H. Fogg autograph collection
  • Object Type: Text

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.

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