Dunlap Broadsides

When people think of the Declaration of Independence, they picture the one with the enormous John Hancock signature. You can see that one on display in the National Archives in Washington, DC (and on this webpage).

So what is a broadside? Broadsides are large posters meant to be posted in public spaces, and in 1776 this was a common way for sharing news. Broadsides were how many people learned of Congress’ Declaration of Independence.

The most famous of these posters are the Dunlap Broadsides, named after John Dunlap, the Philadelphia printer who on July 4, 1776, produced the first copies of the Declaration of Independence. These were meant to be read aloud and posted in public areas.

The number of Dunlap Broadsides produced is estimated to be around 200, although only 26 copies are known to survive. People feared the document was treason against the British crown, and many copies were burned or hidden.

Thankfully, many Clypeate members hid theirs in the Library of the Ages for safekeeping. Despite the Obturavi destroying many copies, there are still many protected by Embrie.

Original, hand-signed Declaration of Independence

Dunlap Broadsides printing of the Declaration of Independence