Old City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A National Historic Site in Journalism
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 5, 2022
From a newspaper printing press on this site, the Declaration of Independence first went out to Americans and the world working from a copy of Thomas Jefferson's manuscript, editor John Dunlap printed broadside copies which were sent July 5, 1776, to all American assemblies and to Europe.
On July 8, he published the Declaration on the front page of the "Pennsylvania Packet," or the "General Advertiser," a weekly newspaper he founded October 28, 1771. Under Dunlap and a later partner, David C. Claypoole, the "packet" became the first successful daily newspaper in the United States beginning September 21, 1784. It was also the first newspaper to publish the Constitution of the United States, September 19, 1787, and Washington's Farewell Address, September 19, 1796.
Both editors were soldiers of the Revolution.
Erected 1976 by The Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Communications • Industry & Commerce • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the Historic Sites in Journalism series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is July 5, 1776.
Location. 39° 56.986′ N, 75° 8.614′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Old City. Marker is on Market Street (County Road 2004) east of South 2nd Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 134 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Benjamin Franklin (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Aitken (1734-1802) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Union Fire Company, (about 300 feet away); Grindstone Alley (about 300 feet away); Branch Office of the State Bank of Camden, N.J. (about 300 feet away); Resting Place of Seven Signers of the Declaration of Independence (about 300 feet away); James Wilson (about 300 feet away); Christ Church (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 5, 2022
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 149 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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