John Dunlap:
The Printer Who Inked Independence

Who Was John Dunlap?

Born in 1747 in Strabane, Ireland, John Dunlap moved to Philadelphia as a teenager. He was apprenticed to his uncle, a printer, where he learned the ins and outs of the trade. By his early twenties, Dunlap had established his own printing business, quickly gaining a reputation for his reliability and quality work. Little did he know, his skills would soon be called upon for a task that would change the course of history.

Why Was Dunlap Chosen?

You might be wondering, why Dunlap? Well, he was no ordinary printer. Dunlap was the official printer for the Continental Congress, a position that required the utmost trust and reliability. His reputation for speed and accuracy made him the perfect choice for this monumental task. His print shop was already the go-to place for printing Congress’s official documents, so when it came time to print the Declaration of Independence, Dunlap was the natural choice.

The Big Moment:
Printing the Declaration of Independence

Fast forward to July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress, after intense debates and revisions, adopts the Declaration of Independence. This monumental document, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, needed to be shared with the world. The urgency of the moment called for someone reliable and fast—someone like John Dunlap.

On the evening of July 4th, a messenger delivered the handwritten document to Dunlap’s print shop in Philadelphia. The shop, a bustling hub of activity, suddenly became the focal point of American history. Dunlap understood the gravity of the task at hand. The future of the colonies depended on this document being distributed quickly and accurately.

Working tirelessly through the night, Dunlap set the type by hand, a painstaking process that required precision and care. Each letter had to be placed in reverse on the press, a mirror image of the final printed document. The press itself was a wooden contraption, operated by hand, and each sheet had to be inked and pressed individually.

By the early morning hours of July 5th, Dunlap had produced around 200 copies of the Declaration of Independence. These printed versions, known as Dunlap Broadsides, were the first public copies of the Declaration. The ink was barely dry when the broadsides were rushed to members of the Continental Congress, military leaders, and various committees. Some copies were even sent to King George III as a bold statement of the colonies’ intent.

Dunlap’s quick work allowed the revolutionary message to spread like wildfire. The broadsides were read aloud in town squares, taverns, and churches, igniting the spirit of independence among the colonists. News of the Declaration traveled up and down the Eastern Seaboard, reaching major cities like New York, Boston, and Charleston. The printed words galvanized the American public, turning the tide in favor of independence.

The Aftermath:
Trials and Triumphs

Printing the Declaration of Independence was a dangerous endeavor. By putting his press to such revolutionary use, John Dunlap risked his livelihood and his life. The British authorities considered acts of rebellion, including the dissemination of seditious documents, as high treason. If caught, Dunlap could face imprisonment, confiscation of his property, or even execution.

In the wake of printing the Declaration, Dunlap had to navigate a volatile and perilous environment. Philadelphia was a hotbed of revolutionary activity and a prime target for British forces. Dunlap’s association with the revolutionary cause put him under constant threat. There were times when he had to flee and hide to avoid capture by British soldiers and loyalist sympathizers.

Despite these dangers, Dunlap remained undeterred. He continued to print for the Continental Congress and support the revolutionary cause. His print shop became an essential part of the war effort, producing pamphlets, broadsides, and newspapers that kept the public informed and rallied support for independence. Dunlap’s resilience and commitment were unwavering, even as he faced the ever-present risk of British retribution.

Dunlap Broadsides: The First Public Declaration

The Dunlap Broadsides were more than just pieces of paper; they were symbols of hope and defiance. Each copy was a rallying cry for liberty, a tangible piece of the revolution that people could hold in their hands. The broadsides were read aloud at public gatherings, nailed to tavern doors, and passed from hand to hand, spreading the revolutionary fervor across the colonies.

Today, only 26 Dunlap Broadsides are known to exist, making them some of the most valuable documents in American history. Their survival is a testament to their importance and the impact they had on unifying the colonies in the pursuit of independence.

Dunlap’s Impact on American Independence

John Dunlap’s role didn’t end with the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the Revolutionary War, he continued to print materials crucial to the American cause. His newspaper, The Pennsylvania Packet, became one of the most important sources of news and information during the war.

Dunlap’s ability to quickly and accurately print crucial documents helped to unify the colonies and spread revolutionary ideas. Without his contributions, the dissemination of the Declaration of Independence and other vital information would have been significantly slower, potentially altering the course of history.

In the years following the war, Dunlap’s printing business continued to thrive. He printed various government documents and was involved in the early stages of forming the new nation’s government. His work laid the foundation for American journalism, and his influence can still be seen in the way news is disseminated today.

A Legacy in Ink

John Dunlap may not be as famous as Thomas Jefferson or Benjamin Franklin, but his contributions were just as critical. His skill and dedication ensured that the message of independence reached the hearts and minds of the American people. Next time you read the Declaration of Independence, take a moment to appreciate the man who brought those powerful words to the masses.

Celebrating the Fourth of July with Dunlap in Mind

As we celebrate this Fourth of July, let’s not forget John Dunlap, the unsung hero with ink-stained hands who played a vital role in America’s fight for freedom. While you’re watching the fireworks burst in the sky, remember the explosive impact those printed words had on the world. Cheers to John Dunlap! Your legacy is as enduring as the documents you printed.