Declaration of Independence: 10 Fun Facts You Might Not Know

As we celebrate our nation's independence on July 4, here are 10 fun facts about our Declaration of Independence you might not know:

1. The Declaration of Independence wasn’t signed on July 4, 1776.

On July 4, Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, now known Independence Day. Most of the delegates signed on August 2 and some signed even later!

2. When the Declaration of Independence was read aloud in New York City, it started a riot.

George Washington read the document aloud in front of City Hall. A lively crowd cheered, and later that day tore down a nearby statue of George III.

3. Eight of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were born in Britain.

According to History.com, while the majority of the members of the Second Continental Congress were born in America, eight of the men voting for independence from Britain were born there.

4. One signer recanted.

Richard Stockton, a lawyer from Princeton, New Jersey, was the only signer to recant - but only after he was arrested by the British and subjected to months of harsh treatment while in custody.

5. The Declaration of Independence spent World War II in Fort Knox.

According to History.com, on December 23, 1941, the signed Declaration, together with the Constitution, were removed from public display and prepared for evacuation out of Washington, D.C. Under the supervision of armed guards.

6. Independence Day Should Have Been July 2.

July 2, 1776 is the day that the Continental Congress actually voted for independence. The document, however, was dated July 4.

7. Who first signed the Declaration of Independence?

John Hancock with his enormous signature, was the first to sign because he was the President of the Congress.

8. Who wrote it?

Thomas Jefferson was said to write the first draft, but the "Committee of Five" actually drafted it, including: Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, John Adams and Roger Sherman.

9. One man who drafted the Declaration never signed it.

John Livingston, one of the five men to draft the Declaration of Independence, never signed it. He was recalled by his home state of New York before he could sign it. He did manage to send his cousin Philip to sign in his place.

10. There's something written on the back.

Movies have made fun of the Declaration of Independence, claiming there was a treasure map on the back. The truth, however, is much more mundane. The back of the document reads: "Original Declaration of Independence, 4th July 1776.

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Declaration of Independence (1819), by John Trumbull via wikimedia creative commons