Declaration of Independence, 1776:
The Declaration was written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, who later served as the third president of the United States. Adopted on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed by colonial delegates on August 2, 1776.
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The Declaration of Independence was written on parchment, a durable material made from animal skin. The ink used was iron gall ink, commonly made from tannin (from oak galls), iron salts, and gum arabic. This type of ink was favored in the 18th century for its permanence and rich color. The combination helped preserve the historic document for centuries.
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