06/06/2026
The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men from the 13 original colonies, committing an act of treason against Britain to declare American independence. Look for subsequent posts highlighting individual profiles.
Overview
The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were delegates to the Second Continental Congress who signed the document primarily on August 2, 1776, although some signed later, such as Matthew Thornton of New Hampshire in November 1776. These men represented all 13 original colonies and are collectively regarded as the Founding Fathers of the United States. By signing, they risked ex*****on if Britain won the war, and many suffered property damage, imprisonment, or financial ruin.
Notable Facts
• First Signer: John Hancock of Massachusetts, President of Congress
• Oldest Signer: Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, age 70
• Youngest Signer: Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, age 26
• Last Living Signer: Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Maryland, died in 1832 at age 95
• Multiple Signatures: Sixteen signers also signed the Articles of Confederation, and six signed the U.S. Constitution. Roger Sherman and Robert Morris signed all three documents.
• Future Presidents: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson later became Presidents of the United States
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Background and Risks
The signers were mostly educated and prosperous men, including lawyers, merchants, planters, and doctors. Forty-eight were born in America, while eight were born abroad. Their decision to sign was a deliberate act of personal risk, as treason against Britain carried the death penalty. Many faced imprisonment, loss of property, or destruction of their homes.
Signers by Colony
The signers are traditionally listed geographically from south to north:
• Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton
• North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn
• South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward Jr., Thomas Lynch Jr., Arthur Middleton
• Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll
• Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton
• Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross
• Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean
• New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris
• New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark
• New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton
• Massachusetts: John Adams, Samuel Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry
• Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery
• Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott
Legacy
The 56 signers are remembered for their courage and commitment to independence, shaping the foundation of the United States. Their actions not only declared freedom from Britain but also set a precedent for democratic governance and personal sacrifice for national ideals.
Photo credit americanhistorycentral.com
