Independence Day – Florida Society SAR

The American Revolution on its 250th Anniversary

Educational content for the 250th anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence.

Timeline to Independence

Date	Event
June 7, 1776	Richard Henry Lee submits resolution for independence
June 11, 1776	Committee of Five appointed (Adams, Franklin, Sherman, Livingston, Jefferson)
June 28, 1776	Draft Declaration presented to Congress
July 1, 1776	Committee vote taken; 9 colonies favor independence
July 2, 1776	Resolution adopted with 12 yes votes, 1 abstention (NY)
July 4, 1776	Declaration adopted and sent to printers
July 8, 1776	First public reading in Philadelphia
July 19, 1776	New York gives approval (13th colony)
August 8, 1776	Delegates begin signing
January 18, 1777	Names of all 56 signers first made public

Key Facts

• The Declaration is considered the birth certificate of our country
• First public document to use The United States of America
• First successful declaration of independence in history
• Has inspired movements for independence worldwide since 1776

Famous Quotes from Signers

• John Hancock on his large signature: The British monarch could now read his name without glasses
• Stephen Hopkins: My hand trembles, but my heart does not
• Benjamin Franklin: Indeed we must all hang together, otherwise we shall most assuredly hang separately

Source: SAR 250th Anniversary Event Planning Guide