NPG: American Origins; Colonies No Longer

By the time a resolution for independence was put before Congress in June 1776, hostilities between Britain and the American colonies had gone on for more than a year, but some members still held out hope for a reconciliation. On July 2 the vote was taken, and two days later the Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson, was adopted. Fifty-Six men, mutually pledging to each other "our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor," ultimately signed the document. "I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration," John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail.

In the field, the war continued for seven more years - through disastrous defeat and sweet triumph. The outcome was determined by General George Washington's victory at Yorktown, Virginia, in October 1781 when the British Army surrendered while its band played "The World Turned Upside Down." Fighting continued however, until the definitive peace treaty was signed in 1783.

www.npg.si.edu/exhibit/origins/index.htm l

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items are from 26 Aug 2008.