Photos: Freedom Plane to take historic documents on nationwide tour

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Documents That Forged a Nation Original Engraving of the Declaration of Independence, 1823 One of only about 50 known original engraved copies of the Declaration of Independence, printed from a copperplate of the original, commissioned by John Quincy Adams and made by engraver William J. Stone. The engraving captured the size, text, lettering, and signatures of the original document (on loan from David M. Rubenstein). (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration)

Documents That Forged a Nation This item is the Oath of Allegiance and Fidelity that was signed by General George Washington while encamped and in command of the Continental Army at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. His oath was sworn before, and also signed by, William Alexander, Earl of Stirling, Major General. This affirmation came to be taken due to a Congressional Resolve dated February 3, 1778, that directed "every officer who holds or shall hereafter hold a commission or office from Congress" to take this oath. (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration)

Documents That Forged a Nation Alexander Hamilton Oath of Allegiance, 1778 This is the Oath of Allegiance and Fidelity that was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, while stationed and encamped with the Continental Army at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. This affirmation came to be taken due to a Congressional Resolve dated February 3, 1778, that directed "every officer who holds or shall hereafter hold a commission or office from Congress" to take this oath. (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration)

Documents That Forged a Nation Aaron Burr's Oath of Allegiance, 1778 This is the Oath of Allegiance and Fidelity that was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Burr, of Malcolm's Regiment, while stationed and encamped with the Continental Army at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. This affirmation came to be taken due to a Congressional Resolve dated February 3, 1778, that directed "every officer who holds or shall hereafter hold a commission or office from Congress" to take this oath. (Archives I; 18W2 Digitization La/U.S. National Archives and Records Administration)

January 20, 2026 at 3:04 pm EST

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