John Dunlap (publisher)

John Dunlap (publisher) was an Irish-American printer and publisher best known for producing the first broadside copies of the United States Declaration of Independence on the night of July 4–5, 1776. As the official printer to the Second Continental Congress, he operated a successful printing business in Philadelphia and later expanded his interests into real estate and other ventures. His work was instrumental in disseminating the foundational documents of the American Revolution and the early United States.

Early life and career

John Dunlap was born in 1747 in Strabane, County Tyrone, in the Kingdom of Ireland. He emigrated to the Thirteen Colonies as a boy, apprenticing under his uncle, printer William Dunlap, in Philadelphia. In 1766, he took over his uncle's shop, establishing what would become one of the city's most prominent printing houses. Dunlap secured lucrative contracts, including becoming the printer for the Province of Pennsylvania and, critically, for the Second Continental Congress as it convened in Philadelphia. He also published the weekly newspaper, The Pennsylvania Packet, or the General Advertiser, which later became the first successful daily newspaper in the United States.

Publishing the Declaration of Independence

On the evening of July 4, 1776, Dunlap was entrusted by the Second Continental Congress with printing the first official version of the United States Declaration of Independence. Working through the night at his shop on Market Street, he produced approximately 200 broadside copies, now known as the "Dunlap broadsides". These were swiftly distributed to the various colonial assemblies, committees of safety, and commanders of the Continental Army, including George Washington, who had it read to his troops in New York City. This act was vital for rapidly publicizing the revolutionary cause. Dunlap also printed other seminal documents, including the Articles of Confederation and many communications from the Congress of the Confederation.

Later business ventures and legacy

Following the American Revolutionary War, Dunlap gradually withdrew from daily printing operations, selling his newspaper to his partner David C. Claypoole in 1784. He invested heavily in real estate, acquiring substantial property in Philadelphia and Kentucky. He also served as a founding trustee of the University of Pennsylvania and was involved with the First City Troop. Dunlap's primary legacy rests on his role as the first printer of the United States Declaration of Independence; only 26 of the original Dunlap broadsides are known to survive, with one selling at auction in 2021 for a record sum. His work ensured the rapid dissemination of the revolutionary ideals that shaped the new nation.

Personal life and death

John Dunlap married Elizabeth Hayes Ellison in 1773, and the couple had no children. He was a member of the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and lived as a wealthy and respected citizen in post-revolutionary Philadelphia. Dunlap died in Philadelphia on November 27, 1812, and was interred in the burial ground of Christ Church. His substantial estate, including his extensive land holdings, was bequeathed to his nephew, William Dunlap, who continued his uncle's business.

Category:1747 births Category:1812 deaths Category:American printers Category:People from Philadelphia Category:People of the American Revolution