Rare Declaration of Independence Copy Discovered in London

Why it matters locally: As the nation's capital, the District of Columbia holds numerous historical archives and institutions that would be keenly interested in the historical implications of this rare find regarding the foundational document of the United States.

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London, UK — A copy of the Declaration of Independence, previously unaccounted for over 250 years, has been located in London. This document represents the sole known original example of the Declaration of Independence existing outside of the United States. British forces confiscated the document in 1776, the same year the American colonies declared their independence. Researchers have confirmed its authenticity and its historical significance. The discovery places a new emphasis on the enduring historical ties and conflicts between the United States and Great Britain. Historians continue to analyze its provenance and journey over the centuries.