Signing the Declaration of Independence was an act treason

Fireworks, parades, pool parties and picnics.

Today's July 4th activities tend to overlook that declaring independence in 1776 was an act of high treason against the crown. It was clear-cut rebellion against established authority.

After being approved in July 1776, copies of the Declaration were made, and signed, for each of the states. If caught by the British or their loyalists, possession of one of these documents was punishable by death.

Here's a bit of oral history we posted earlier this year, along with some shots of Georgia's official copy:



It took two months for Georgia's copy of the Declaration to arrive in the newly independent state.

It was entered into the official Georgia record in March 1777.