When did the Founding Fathers sign the Declaration of Independence?

One of the most common misconceptions about the Declaration of Independence is that it was signed on July 4, 1776. In fact, the Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence on July 2, a date John Adams believed would become “the most memorable epocha in the history of America.” Two days later, on July 4, Congress approved the text of the Declaration. However, most delegates did not sign the document until August 2, 1776, nearly a month later, while several others added their signatures in the following weeks and months.