The Declaration of Independence

A look at Jefferson's authorship of the Declaration and its adoption by the Continental Congress.

Rediscover America's founding document through our three-part reading and discussion tool kit designed for learners of all ages to delve into the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence and their relevance today.

Learn more about how the Declaration went from Jefferson's draft to global icon.

See how the words and ideas in the Declaration of Independence have impacted human rights around the world.

This temporary exhibit at Monticello's David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center explores how the Declaration of Independence went from the tip of Thomas Jefferson's quill to an icon of democracy throughout the world.

The Declaration of Independence proclaimed the creation of an American "people," asserted a claim to universal rights, and declared America to be independent of the British Empire.

While prints of the Declaration appeared almost immediately, the official printing and signing took much longer.

Get to know the Declaration of Independence a little better through this short interactive.