How the Declaration of Independence was created

The Lee Resolution

Jun 7, 1776

Richard Henry Lee, Read a resolution before Continental Congress
"that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

The Committee of Five was appointed

Jun 11, 1776

Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston were chosen to be the Committee

Lee Resolution Adopted

Jul 2, 1776

The Lee Resolution was adopted by 12 of the 13 colonies, soon after, Congress started to consider the Declaration of Independence. Congress also altered through July second, third, and fourth.

Official Adoption of the Declaration Of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

The document was printed on this day, and the manuscript was taken to John Dunlap, the Congress's official printer

Declaration Of Independence Copies Dispatched

Jul 5, 1776

Copies printed by John Dunlap were created and sent to committee's, assembly's and commander's.

Engrossment Of Declaration

Jul 19, 1776

The Declaration Of Independence should be "fairly engrossed on parchment, with the title and stile {sic} of ‘The unanimous declaration of the thirteen United States of America’ and that the same, when engrossed, be signed by every member of Congress." ordered by Congress.

Declaration Signing

Aug 2, 1776

The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men from
Delaware, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland.