Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States.
To learn more, you may want to:
View the original paper copy of the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives Museum in the District of Columbia.
Order a printed copy of the Declaration of Independence.
Contact the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Fast Facts
It took Thomas Jefferson 17 days to write the Declaration of Independence.
On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain.
On July 4, 1776, Congress voted to accept the Declaration of Independence, marking July 4 as Independence Day.