Important Paper-Based Documents in U.S. History

Happy 4^th of July to all of our loyal readers. Since we spend so much time writing about paper-based communication, we thought it would be fun to play a little trivia.

In 2003 the National Archives and Records Administration, National History Day and U.S. News & World Report conducted a poll called, The People’s Vote, in which Americans chose the most important documents in our nation’s history. Below are the top five results. Can you guess which ones were written on paper?

1. Declaration of Independence
2. U.S. Constitution
3. Bill of Rights
4. Louisiana Purchase Treaty
5. Emancipation Proclamation

If you answered the Louisiana Purchase and Emancipation Proclamation – you sure know your paper well! Our beloved Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights were all written on parchment, which is an animal skin that has been prepared for writing or printing.

Have a happy and safe 4^th of July!