Declaration of Independence

This passage discusses the creation of the Declaration of Independence.

Lexile Level: 510L

Categories: History

It was signed in 1776. Soon after, the Declaration of Independence was on the run. The colonies had to protect it from the British. Sadly, it was moved each time the British Army got too close. People were careless with it. Carriers stashed it in trunks and in bags. They also rolled and unrolled it many times. Despite the abuse, the Declaration survived its travels. In 1841, it found a home in Washington, D.C. For 35 years, it hung in an office in front of a window. No one realized that hanging it there would be a bad idea. The direct sunlight faded the ink and paper. It was torn, dirty, and faded. The Declaration had become quite fragile. In the 1950s, it finally got special care. A glass case was made to protect it. With newer technology, scientists created a better case. The Declaration is now safe inside the most advanced picture frame in the world.