AUSTIN -- It's been 240 years since our founding fathers sent a stern letter to the King George III of England. The Declaration of Independence became the founding document of the United States of America, as noted in the letter.
But how much do typical Americans know about the Declaration of Independence?
"Fourth of July--to me--means everybody is loving everybody, having fun and being colorful about it," Tyler Smith said.
John Hancock's signature is most recognizable, since he wanted to make it big enough for King George III to read. Benjamin Franklin joined future Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams to add their signatures to the Declaration.
"It's a sense of historical continuity in my dream," Caroline Staley said. "The forefathers that led us through the war sacrificed so much of their lives, families and futures for this."
A total of 56 people signed the Declaration of Independence. Read the entire transcription by clicking here.
Three US Presidents died on July 4. They include John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who both died in 1826, and James Monroe in 1831.
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