Uncovering the Story of the First Person to Sign the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in American history. It proclaimed the colonies’ independence from British rule, established the unalienable rights of people, and laid the foundation for a democratic government. But have you ever wondered who the first person to sign this historic document was? In this article, we will delve into the story of the first signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Introduction
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, setting the course of American history for centuries to come. Fifty-six patriots signed the document, and John Hancock, as the President of Congress, signed it first, famously affirming his signature with bold letters. But only a few people know about the story of the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.
A Name You Might Not Know: John Dunlap
As it turns out, John Dunlap was the first person to print the Declaration of Independence. He was the official printer of Congress and was tasked with printing approximately 200 copies of the document, which were distributed to all the colonies and sent to various foreign countries. Dunlap printed the copies overnight, and by the morning of July 5, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was already in circulation.
The Fate of Dunlap’s Personal Copy
While the copies that Dunlap printed are well-known, few people know about the fate of his personal copy of the document. Dunlap’s copy was signed by John Hancock, Charles Thomson, and most importantly, by the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence – George Read of Delaware.
A Signer with a Unique Background: George Read
George Read was a highly respected lawyer and judge from Delaware who played a crucial role in shaping the country’s early legal system. He was initially hesitant about signing the Declaration of Independence, but ultimately, he believed that it was the right thing to do. Despite his contribution towards independence, Read faced personal tragedy in his life, including the loss of two wives and several children, leading people to refer to him as ‘The Signer Most Grieved.’
Conclusion
The story of the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence is one of the lesser-known tales of America’s founding. Nevertheless, it is a story that highlights the contributions of individuals like John Dunlap and George Read, who played crucial roles in shaping the country as we know it today. The Declaration of Independence was a document that declared the unalienable rights of people, and these patriots believed in it enough to pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to attain it. So as we celebrate America’s Independence Day each year, we mustn’t forget to remember the first signers who committed themselves to the cause of liberty.
