Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence facts for kids

The Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence in 2014, seen from across the pond in Constitution Gardens

The Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence is a special monument in Washington, D.C. It shows the actual signatures of the 56 people who signed the United States Declaration of Independence. This important document declared that the American colonies were free from British rule.

You can find this memorial in Constitution Gardens, which is part of the National Mall. It's on a small island in a lake, and you cross a wooden bridge to get to it. It's close to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

How the Memorial Was Created

A Gift to Remember Freedom

In 1978, the United States Congress decided to create a memorial for the signers of the Declaration of Independence. This was done through a special law. The memorial was a gift from a group called the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. This group helped celebrate 200 years since America became a country.

What the Memorial Looks Like

The memorial has 56 stone blocks. Each block shows a copy of one signer's actual signature. It also tells you what job they had and where they lived. The memorial was officially opened on July 2, 1984. This date was exactly 208 years after Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence.

Who Signed the Declaration?

Fifty-six people, called delegates, signed the Declaration of Independence. They were part of the Second Continental Congress, a meeting of representatives from the colonies. This memorial honors each of them.

Images for kids

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  The Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence, across the pond in Constitution Gardens, Washington, D.C.

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  Each memorial stone includes the delegate's signature, name, occupation, and place of residence.