The History List
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
- Details in this listing at Christie's about specific printings and the way in which the document was distributed to major cities.
- The Declaration Resources Project at Harvard.
- The Library of Congress's site on the Declaration, with links to additional resources.
Shipping
Shipping
For shipments to addresses within the U.S. (scroll down for International 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.
Note that some large or heavy items, including larger framed prints, may have a different shipping charge or a shipping surcharge. When they do, it will be noted on the product page.
Timing
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If you need to receive your order by a certain date, such as to give as a gift or have for a trip, we recommend ordering at least two weeks in advance, especially if you are using USPS shipping.
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Additional notes:
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Charges for shipping to destinations in the United States and to APO, DPO, and FPO addresses
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US Postal Service shipping - The least expensive, though also less reliable than UPS. (See more on UPS in the next section.)
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$5.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.
Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price is still fixed at $5.95. Our flat rate shipping means you can add another t-shirt, cap, or book for no additional shipping charge.
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$8.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
We strongly recommend using UPS, especially in November and December.
UPS 3 Business Day Select
Note: UPS 3 Business Day select is not available for addresses in Hawaii and Alaska. If UPS is selected for Hawaii or Alaska, the order will be shipped UPS Ground.
- $14.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.
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$18.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
- If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.
- UPS Overnight (Next Business Day Delivery)
For shipments to addresses outside the United States
Destinations
We only ship to locations that are served by US Postal Service International Service.
Charges
- Canada and Mexico
- Rate starts at $40.00 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs, hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
- Rest of the World
- Rates starts at $65.00.
Additional charges for all destinations
Some large, heavy items may have an additional shipping charge. If that's the case, it will be noted on the product page.
If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.
All original designs are copyrighted by The History List
All original designs are copyrighted by The History List
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.
Mission
Mission
Your purchases support our mission to engage people with local history and to support historic sites and history organizations across the country.
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
Loved the item! It looks amazing! It wasn't the first order from here and it won't be the last.
