who is mostly responsible for writing the declaration of independence
United States Declaration of Independence
short
Thomas Jefferson
United States Declaration of Independence 1823 facsimile of the engrossed copy Created June -- July 1776 Ratified July 4 , 1776 Location Engrossed copy : National Archives Rough draft : Library of Congress Author ( s ) Thomas Jefferson et al. ( engrosser : probably Timothy Matlack ) Signatories 56 delegates to the Continental Congress Purpose To announce and explain separation from Great Britain