when was the american declaration of independence signed

The American Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, but it was primarily signed on August 2, 1776. While it is popularly believed to have been signed on July 4, most historians agree that the signing took place nearly a month later, with some signers adding their names even after August 2, 1776. John Hancock was the first to sign on August 2, as President of the Congress, followed by other delegates grouped by state. Some delegates who were not present on August 2 signed later, and not all members signed the document.