America’s Declaration of Independence was printed in a single overnight rush in 1776: Only 26 original copies still exist
Before it became a legendary symbol of liberty, the Declaration of Independence was just urgent news. Printer John Dunlap toiled throughout the night of July 4, 1776, crafting approximately 200 copies for swift dispatch. Intended for public readings, these broadsides were quickly discarded, resulting in only 26 known originals still in existence today. This hasty distribution ignited the revolution, disseminating concepts of freedom and equality throughout the soon-to-be nation.
Before it became a legendary symbol of liberty, the Declaration of Independence was just urgent news. Printer John Dunlap toiled throughout the night of July 4, 1776, crafting approximately 200 copies for swift dispatch. Intended for public readings, these broadsides were quickly discarded, resulting in only 26 known originals still in existence today. This hasty distribution ignited the revolution, disseminating concepts of freedom and equality throughout the soon-to-be nation.
