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Dunlap broadside of the Declaration of Independence - Three-quarter size

Dunlap broadside of the Declaration of Independence - Three-quarter size

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Explore a similar print: "Declaration of Independence" printed by John Dunlap in Philadelphia at full, original size.


The first broadside of the Declaration of Independence printed by John Dunlap in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776 reproduced at approximately three-fourths size of the original by the Printing Office of Edes & Gill in Boston.

The sheet is approximately 15.5" x 11.25" and the block of text itself is 12.5" x 8.75".

Other historic documents available include the Boston broadside of the Declaration of Independence from the Printing Office of Edes & Gill.


Historical Background: The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of The United States of America. Written by Thomas Jefferson, one of the five members of the Committee that Congress had appointed to draft the document, between June 11 and June 28, 1776. The other members were John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman.

Congress voted for Independence on July 2 and then took up Jefferson’s draft for the next two days. Eighty-six alterations were made to the draft, and Congress approved the document on July 4, 1776.

John Dunlap prints the Declaration of Independence

Congress then ordered the committee that drafted the Declaration to oversee the printing of the Declaration. A fair copy was made of the amended draft and hand carried by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin to the printing office of John Dunlap in Philadelphia on the afternoon of the 4. The Declaration was printed that night into the early morning of July 5. John Hancock, President of Congress began to send out “official copies” on the 5 and 6 of July to all thirteen Colonies, ordering them to print the Declaration in their newspapers and generally distribute the news as they saw fit." 

The broadside was quickly disseminated to the colonies and by July 18, twenty-four newspapers had used the Dunlap broadside as an exemplar from which to republish the text. The signed manuscript copy, held by the National Archives, was not completed and signed until August 2. (This timeline shows the signing, printing, and dissemination of the Declaration.)

The Declaration that Mr. Dunlap printed is very different in appearance from the Declaration we have come to know.

Although it is estimated that between four and five hundred Dunlap broadsides were printed, only twenty-five copies have been located. Two are in the Library of Congress. One of these was Washington’s personal copy.

Additional resources

Shipping

Flat-rate shipping: Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, and button packs is $5.95.

For hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets, the shipping cost is $8.95. 

Our flat rate shipping means you can add two or more t-shirts, sweatshirts, or caps for no additional shipping charge.

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All designs are copyrighted by The History List and the History Nerd text and design on t-shirts is a registered trademark. If you see a knock off, please let me know.

Made by America

Nearly everything we offer is designed by us and made in America.

Our original designs are based on our nation’s history and our love of American history. Read more about other things we've created, including The History List, History Camp, and The Pursuit of History, in addition to The History List Store.

All original designs are copyrighted by The History List.

Every product that is made in America states that in the product description and includes the "Made in U.S.A." graphic. There are a relatively small number of items where we’ve not been able to find a manufacturing partner here in the States, but we continue to look.  

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Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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Shay V.
Beautiful Document; Inaccurate Dimensions

This document is absolutely beautiful, both the print and texture, and extremely well made but please be aware that the approximation of the dimensions provided in the description is incorrect. The document is just under 11.5 x 15.25 rather than 14.5 x 18 so bear that in mind when purchasing a frame.

Thank you for your purchase and for pointing out the measurements, which we just corrected. — Lee Wright | Founder

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Matt D.
Great service

Loved the item! It looks amazing! It wasn't the first order from here and it won't be the last.