5 Obscure Facts about the Declaration of Independence.

5 Obscure Facts about the Declaration of Independence.

1) There Was No "United States" in the Declaration of Independence.
The original inscription read, 'Thirteen United States of America'. The original document was signed on July 4, 1776,the 2nd Continental Congress didn't ratify it until March 1, 1781. Once it was ratified, they changed the inscription to read, "The United States of America".

2) Jefferson Was Upset that Slavery was Edited out.
Thomas Jefferson in the first original draft penned the words, "He has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life & liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither." However, the paragraph was edited out of the final draft by South Carolina and Georgia. Thomas Jefferson was upset about the removal of the paragraph up until his death.

3) The Youngest and Oldest Signers
The youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence was Edward Rutledge of South Carolina who was 26 years old. Benjamin Franklin, at 70 years young, was the oldest signer of the famous Declaration.

4) The Sole Recanter: Richard Stockton
Richard Stockton was one of four signers of the Declaration that were captured by the British. After being incarcerated and under duress, he recanted his statement. When Richard Stockton returned to New York, his house was in ruins and his possessions were gone. The imprisonment ruined his health. Before Richard died he re-affirmed his oath and allegiance to the United States.

5) Bargain Hunters Bought an Old Copy of the Declaration of Independence for $4, Sold It For Millions!
In 1989, at a flea market a bargain hunter bought an old worn out painting for $4.00. Tucked under the canvas was one of the 24 original documents of the Declaration of Independence known to exist. For a $4.00 investment it sold at auction for $8.14 million.

-From NeatoRama.com

Lynn & Shelly