1. The Declaration of Independence

2. Free and Independent States
Lee Resolution
Richard Henry Lee, a delegate from Virginia, read a resolution before the Continental Congress "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

3. Committee of Five
Five men were appointed to draft a statement making a case for American independence
John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston

4. We hold these truths to be self-evident
The Committee of Five draft the Declaration of Independence

5. Almost Unanimous
The Lee Resolution was adopted by 12 of the 13 Colonies (Now STATES)
New York did not vote
Congress decides to declare The United States of America independent

6. Almost Perfect
Congress debates and makes changes to the Declaration of Independence

7. Independence Day
Congress officially adopts the Declaration of Independence
The United States of America formally declares independence from Great Britain
Copies of the Declaration were printed immediately

8. Dunlap Broadsides
John Dunlap, official printer of the Continental Congress
About 200 copies were made and distributed throughout the colonies
25 copies still exist

9. 55 in iron pen, Mr. Matlack can’t offend
Congress ordered that the Declaration be “engrossed” on parchment with the phrase “The unanimous declaration of the thirteen United States of America”
Handwritten by Timothy Matlack, official scribe of the Continental Congress

10. 55 in iron pen, Mr. Matlack can’t offend
The engrossed Declaration was signed by most members of Congress
By November, 1776, 55 members of Congress had signed the Declaration
Thomas McKean, the 56th member, signed the Declaration in 1781