The signing of the United States Declaration of Independence at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia gave formal, public endorsement to the colonies’ break with Great Britain. Congress approved the Declaration on July 4, 1776, with twelve of the thirteen colonies voting yes and New York abstaining until it received authority to agree. The widely accepted view is that most delegates signed the engrossed parchment on August 2, after Congress ordered it prepared for signature. In time, fifty-six delegates signed, including John Hancock, whose prominent signature became famous. The act transformed independence from a resolution into a personal pledge by named men accepting serious risk.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · USA