Declaration Links

• Thomas Paine "These are the times that try men's souls." Another site from ushistory.org.

• The Declaration of Independence: A History
  This site from the National Archives and Records Administration outlines the history of the Declaration from 1776 to the present. The lengthy text description discusses in depth the beginnings of the declaration and later tells the story of its travels to various parts of the country. The site also includes a date and location list for the numerous sites the declaration has visited. The long narrative is well written. The site also includes a bibliography, numerous declaration facts, and a list of the broadside locations.

• The Written Style of the Declaration of Independence
  This unique page offers an analytical look at the use of the English language in the declaration. This lengthy scholarly piece gives a great look at the power and the meaning of the language used in the declaration. The author sums up his piece by calling the Declaration of Independence "perhaps the most masterfully written state paper of Western civilization." A good read for students and especially English teachers.

• The Virginia Declaration of Rights
  Mason had earlier written the Virginia Declaration of Rights that strongly influenced Thomas Jefferson.

• Drafting Documents
  This site from the Library of Congress is small but informative and details the story of the drafting of the document in Philadelphia.

• Biographies of America's Founding Fathers
  This site offers a good amount of information about the Founding Fathers of the United States. The site also includes pictures and links for more information.