Spreading the News: Tracking the Declaration of Independence in the American Press

Interactive map tracks how 31 colonial newspapers spread the Declaration of Independence through print in the months following July 4, 1776.

The Declaration of Independence was published in at least 31 colonial newspapers within two months of 4 July 1776. Most newspapers at the time were published weekly rather than daily. For many readers, seeing the words in print made the Declaration more real. Spreading the News: Tracking the Declaration of Independence in the American Press is an ArcGIS StoryMap, plotting every newspaper that published The Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Want to know more?

Explore the people, places, and primary sources featured in this resource.

Front of the engrossed parchment copy of the Declaration of Independence, dated July 4, 1776, with the title "The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America" and the signatures of the Continental Congress delegates at the bottom.

Declaration of Independence, 4 July 1776

This foundational document declares American independence from Britain and outlines the grievances that led to this break.

Places

Featured

Yes