Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence
The Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence stands as a significant tribute to the courageous men who declared America’s independence from Great Britain. This memorial is situated in the Constitution Gardens on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and it is a vital landmark that invites reflection on the values of freedom and democracy. Through its design and the inscriptions on its stones, the memorial commemorates the individuals whose signatures marked the birth of a new nation.
A close view of he Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Historical Context of the Memorial
The Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence was conceived as part of the efforts to celebrate and honor the United States’ bicentennial in 1976. Public Law 95-260, passed by Congress in 1978, authorized the creation of the memorial. It was established as a public gift from the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, reflecting the nation’s desire to commemorate the founding fathers and the principles of the Declaration of Independence. The law mandated that the memorial should be an enduring tribute to these men, whose bold act in 1776 established the United States as an independent nation.
The memorial was designed to recognize not only the signers’ courage but also their diverse backgrounds and contributions. It consists of 56 individual stone blocks, each bearing the facsimile of the signer’s actual signature. In addition to the signature, each block includes the name of the signer, his occupation, and his place of residence. The site itself was selected to ensure that the memorial was easily accessible to the public and situated near other important landmarks in the heart of Washington, D.C.
The Memorial was officially dedicated on July 4, 1984, exactly 208 years after the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. This date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration, underscoring the significance of the event in the nation’s history. As such, the memorial not only honors the individual signers but also serves as a focal point for American patriotism and reflection on the nation’s founding.
The Design and Layout of the Memorial
The Memorial to the 56 Signers is located on a small island set in the lake between Constitution Avenue and the Reflecting Pool. Visitors to the memorial can access it by crossing a wooden bridge that leads them to the island, which offers a tranquil environment for contemplation. This placement, near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and other historical sites, ensures that the memorial is part of a broader narrative about America’s sacrifices and the quest for freedom.
The design of the memorial is minimalist yet powerful. The 56 stone blocks are arranged in a circular formation, symbolizing the unity and collective action of the signers. Each stone is carefully inscribed with a replica of the signer’s signature, reinforcing the personal commitment each delegate made to the cause of independence. The stones are arranged by the states represented at the Continental Congress, with each block representing a specific signer from a given state.
This layout serves to visually connect the signers, indicating that while they hailed from different regions and had different personal backgrounds, they came together to sign a single document that would change the course of history. The stones are designed not only to commemorate the signers but also to encourage visitors to reflect on the individual stories behind each signature.
History and Major Facts about the Second Continental Congress
Memorialized Signers of the Declaration of Independence
The memorial honors the 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. These men were not merely symbolic figures; they were real individuals, each with unique personal stories, and they risked everything to pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the cause of independence.
President of the Continental Congress
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John Hancock (Massachusetts) – As the President of the Continental Congress, Hancock is perhaps the most famous signer of the Declaration. His bold and conspicuous signature became an iconic symbol of American independence.
New Hampshire
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Josiah Bartlett
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William Whipple
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Matthew Thornton
These three men represented New Hampshire, each contributing to the revolutionary movement and working to ensure that their state played a key role in the creation of the new nation.
A closer view of the memorial stone shows the details of the delegates, including their signatures.
Massachusetts
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Robert Treat Paine
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Elbridge Gerry
Massachusetts was home to several key figures in the independence movement. Samuel Adams and John Adams, in particular, were instrumental in pushing for independence from Britain, with John Adams serving as a leading advocate for the Declaration itself.
Rhode Island
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Stephen Hopkins
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William Ellery
Rhode Island’s delegates, though fewer in number, played an essential role in supporting the Declaration and contributing to the formation of the United States.
Connecticut
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Samuel Huntington
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William Williams
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Oliver Wolcott
These delegates from Connecticut were all deeply involved in the revolution, and their commitment to independence was reflected in their participation in the signing of the Declaration.
New York
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William Floyd
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Philip Livingston
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Francis Lewis
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Lewis Morris
New York’s delegates were crucial in the fight for independence, and their inclusion in the memorial honors their contributions to the formation of the United States.
New Jersey
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Richard Stockton
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John Witherspoon
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Francis Hopkinson
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John Hart
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Abraham Clark
New Jersey’s delegates were deeply involved in the efforts to establish the nation’s independence, with figures like John Witherspoon, a prominent Presbyterian minister, playing a leading role in advocating for separation from Britain.
Pennsylvania
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Robert Morris
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Benjamin Rush
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John Morton
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George Clymer
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James Smith
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George Taylor
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James Wilson
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George Ross
Pennsylvania, a key state in the early history of the United States, was represented by several signers, including Benjamin Franklin, who is remembered for his diplomatic efforts in France during the revolution.
Portrait of Benjamin Franklin
Delaware
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George Read
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Caesar Rodney
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Thomas McKean
Delaware’s delegates were significant in the formation of the new nation, with Caesar Rodney famously making a midnight ride to cast his vote for independence.
Maryland
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Samuel Chase
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William Paca
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Thomas Stone
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Charles Carroll of Carrollton
The Maryland delegation was instrumental in supporting the Declaration, with Charles Carroll standing as one of the wealthiest men to sign and one of the longest-lived signers, living well into the 19th century.
Virginia
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George Wythe
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Richard Henry Lee
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Benjamin Harrison
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Thomas Nelson, Jr.
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Francis Lightfoot Lee
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Carter Braxton
Virginia, a state with a central role in the Revolution, was represented by key figures such as Thomas Jefferson, who authored the Declaration of Independence, and George Wythe, who was a mentor to Jefferson and a champion of independence.
Thomas Jefferson
North Carolina
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William Hooper
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Joseph Hewes
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John Penn
The North Carolina delegation played an important role in the fight for independence, with each signer contributing to the cause in a variety of ways.
South Carolina
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Edward Rutledge
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Thomas Heyward, Jr.
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Thomas Lynch, Jr.
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Arthur Middleton
South Carolina’s delegates were deeply committed to the revolutionary cause, with some, such as Edward Rutledge, being among the youngest signers.
Georgia
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Button Gwinnett
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Lyman Hall
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George Walton
Georgia’s delegates were part of the final wave of signatories, each playing an essential role in ensuring the success of the Declaration of Independence.
Significance and Legacy of the Memorial
The Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence serves not only as a tribute to the individuals who signed the Declaration but also as a reminder of the boldness and determination required to create a new nation. By walking across the bridge to the island, visitors are invited to engage in a dialogue with history, reflecting on the sacrifices made by these men and the ideals they championed.
Each stone in the memorial stands as a testimony to the enduring legacy of liberty, self-determination, and democratic governance. As such, it offers an opportunity for Americans and visitors from around the world to connect with the foundational moments of U.S. history and to appreciate the collective effort that led to the birth of the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence
When was the memorial dedicated?
The memorial was dedicated on July 4, 1984, exactly 208 years after the Declaration was approved by Congress.
A map of the US, showing the location (marked in red) of the memorial.
What is the design of the memorial?
The memorial consists of 56 stone blocks, each bearing a facsimile of a signer’s signature, their name, occupation, and place of residence.
Where is the Memorial located?
It is situated on a small island between Constitution Avenue and the Reflecting Pool, near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
What was the purpose of the memorial’s creation?
The memorial was established to honor the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and celebrate the ideals of freedom and democracy.
Who was responsible for the creation of the memorial?
The memorial was a gift from the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration and authorized by Public Law 95-260, passed by Congress in 1978.
Why are the 56 signers commemorated?
The 56 signers were delegates to the Continental Congress who risked everything to declare independence from Great Britain, laying the foundation for the United States.
What does each stone block represent?
Each stone block represents a signer, with their signature, name, occupation, and place of residence inscribed, celebrating their role in the nation’s founding.
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