Happy Independence Day America!

So, the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, right? Not really...The first signer was certainly John Hancock, however many of delegates did not actually sign the declaration until August 2, 1776. [1] Some individuals did not sign until significantly later and some not at all. [2] Thomas McKean was the last delegate to sign, signing sometime after January 18, 1777.[3] Two delegates opted not to sign. [4]

Image "Declaration of Independence (front)," image, National Archives (https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration : accessed 4 July 2023) > America's Founding Documents > The Declaration of Independence > "Declaration of Independence (front).

[1] "The Declaration of Independence: A History," National Archives (https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-history : accessed 4 July 2023) > America's Founding Documents > The Declaration of Independence: A History > Section The Engrossed Delegation > paras. 2-3.

[2] Ibid, para. 3.

[3] "Signers of the Declaration of Independence," Daughters of the American Revolution (https://www.dar.org/archives/signers-declaration-independence : accessed 4 July 2023) > Thomas McKean.

[4] "The Declaration of Independence: A History," National Archives > Section The Engrossed Delegation > para. 3.