Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Quick answer
Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence in June 1776. He was part of a Committee of Five, with John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston, who reviewed it, and the Continental Congress made further changes before adopting it on July 4, 1776.
Key facts
- Main author
- Thomas Jefferson
- Adopted
- July 4, 1776
- Signers
- 56 delegates
- 250th anniversary
- July 4, 2026
Jefferson was only 33 when he wrote it, working in a rented room in Philadelphia over about 17 days.
The Committee of Five
| Member | Colony | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Jefferson | Virginia | Wrote the draft |
| John Adams | Massachusetts | Pushed for Jefferson to write it; suggested edits |
| Benjamin Franklin | Pennsylvania | Made edits, such as changing “sacred and undeniable” to “self-evident” |
| Roger Sherman | Connecticut | Reviewed the draft |
| Robert R. Livingston | New York | Reviewed the draft |
Key dates
- June 11, 1776Congress appoints the Committee of Five
- July 2, 1776Congress votes for independence
- July 4, 1776Congress approves the final text of the Declaration
- August 2, 1776Most delegates sign the engrossed (handwritten) copy
Congress cut about a quarter of Jefferson’s draft, including a passage condemning the slave trade.
What it says
The Declaration explains why the 13 colonies were breaking from Britain. Its best-known section states that all men are created equal, with rights to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” and that governments get their power from the consent of the governed. It then lists grievances against King George III.
The signers
56 delegates signed. John Hancock, president of Congress, signed first and largest, which is why “John Hancock” became slang for a signature. Two signers, Jefferson and Adams, later became presidents and both died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary.
The original is displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Read Franklin’s famous saying well done is better than well said.
Still curious?
Jump to a random question from the archive.