History Documents

JFK Library

JFK Independence Hall 1962

A page to find source documents on the American Revolution and the founding of the United States of America 1750's-1800.

• 1753 Poor Richard's Almanack

  Declaration of Independence | Text
  
  Jefferson's "original Rough draught" of the Declaration of Independence

  John Adams Thoughts on Government 1776
  
  Thomas Paine's Common Sense

  Thomas Paine's American Crisis 1
  

  The Articles of Confederation The first constitution of the United States, drafted on November 15, 1777. However, ratification of the Articles of Confederation by all thirteen states did not occur until March 1, 1781. This Government won the revolution but could not win the peace.

  Speech of Benjamin Franklin Constitutional Convention 1787
  

  US Constitution | Text

  Great Seal of the United States of America
  
  Abraham Lincoln's Philadelphia - Inaugural Journey 1861

  President Kennedy Independence Hall July 4, 1962 video

  Remarks at the "We the People'' Bicentennial Celebration in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania September 17, 1987 President Reagan.

  Learn more about the 150th Anniversary of Lincoln's Inaugural Journey:

  
  Lincoln's Philadelphia Stop - Includes video from the event!
  
  

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  Independence Archeology Laboratory

  Click here for more information about visiting the Independence Archeology Laboratory

 

Great Seal of the United States