DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Whiskey Glass

The Declaration of Independence, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and adopted on July 4, 1776, has an interesting physical history: its iconic, handwritten copy is known as the "engrossed" version. This version was actually signed over a month after its adoption, starting on August 2, 1776. Not all the signatures were added at that time, with some delegates signing later. Contrary to popular belief, John Hancock's famously large signature isn't evidence of bravado directed towards King George III; it's likely he signed it largely and clearly because he was the President of the Continental Congress at the time.