The Declaration of Independence, a cornerstone document of American history, wasn't penned in a grand hall or a stately government building. It was crafted in a rented room on the second floor of a three-story brick house at 700 Market Street in Philadelphia. This unassuming dwelling, now known as the Declaration House, was where Thomas Jefferson, tasked with drafting the document, spent countless hours during the summer of 1776 meticulously putting into words the aspirations and grievances of the American colonies.
Philadelphia: Humble Birthplace of American Independence
Jefferson, a delegate from Virginia to the Second Continental Congress, was chosen along with four others—John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman—to form the Committee of Five responsible for drafting the Declaration. Adams, a strong advocate for independence, persuaded the committee to entrust Jefferson with writing the initial draft.
Between June 11 and June 28, 1776, Jefferson largely worked in isolation in his rented room, drawing inspiration from the works of philosophers like John Locke and Thomas Paine, author of the influential pamphlet Common Sense. Despite the Congress's busy schedule, Jefferson produced a powerful document that eloquently declared the colonies' independence from Great Britain.
The Declaration House, located just a short walk from Independence Hall, where the Declaration was debated and adopted, stands today as a reminder of the humble beginnings of one of America's most cherished documents. It serves as a testament to the dedication and intellectual prowess of the Founding Fathers, who dared to envision a new nation founded on liberty and equality.
While the Declaration was later formally adopted and signed at Independence Hall, the seeds of American independence were sown within the walls of the Declaration House. So, next time you find yourself in Philadelphia, consider visiting this historic site and reflect on the profound impact of the words written there over two centuries ago.
