The Declaration of Independence was primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. It was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. While Jefferson was the main author, other members of the committee that helped draft the document included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston.
The Declaration was signed by 56 delegates from the thirteen American colonies. Notable signers included John Hancock, the president of the Continental Congress, and other prominent figures such as Samuel Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson himself. The signing took place over a period of weeks and months, with many delegates signing it on August 2, 1776, while others signed it later.