Isabella Carter
The US Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, are written on parchment paper. Parchment is a type of paper made from animal skin, typically sheepskin. The documents are now housed in the National Archives Building's historic Rotunda in Washington, D.C.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Paper | Parchment paper, made from animal skin |
| Texture | Crinkled |
| Color | The parchment may darken over time |
| Source | Sheepskin |
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What You'll Learn
The US Constitution was printed on parchment paper
The Constitution, currently housed in the National Archives, is a four-page document. The original printing consisted of seven articles, with the first three embodying the doctrine of the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into three branches: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.
The first draft of the Constitution was received by John Dunlap for printing on August 4, 1787. This draft was a seven-page broadside, and copies exist in the separately collected papers of the Convention, James Madison, and David Brearley. The second draft was printed on September 12 for the convention's members, and extant copies of this penultimate version can be found in the papers of Madison, Brearley, and George Washington.
Finally, on September 15, three days after the second draft was printed, 500 copies of the third and final draft were ordered to be printed. There are currently 12 complete final printings and one incomplete version known to exist.
The US Constitution's printing on parchment paper contributes to its historical significance and distinct character, making it a valuable part of America's heritage.
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It was made from sheepskin
The US Constitution was written on parchment paper, which is a treated animal skin, typically made from sheepskin. Parchment paper has a unique appearance, with crinkles and an aging process that gives each document a distinct look. To prevent discoloration, it is recommended to frame replicas behind UV-protective coated glass.
The Constitution was originally a seven-article document, with the first three articles embodying the doctrine of the separation of powers. This divided the federal government into three branches: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.
The document was first drafted by the Committee of Detail, and then printed as a seven-page broadside by John Dunlap on August 4, 1787. Two days later, on August 6, the draft was presented to the Convention's members. The Constitution was then referred to the Committee of "Stile and Arrangements" for revisions, and new copies of this second draft were printed on September 12.
There are currently 12 remaining complete final printings and one incomplete version of the Constitution known to exist. One copy, known as the official edition endorsed by the Congress of the Confederation, sold for $9 million at Brunk Auctions in 2024.
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The paper was produced by hand
The US Constitution was written and printed on parchment paper, a material that is unique in appearance, with crinkles and an aging process that causes the paper to darken over time. Parchment paper is made from animal skin, typically sheepskin, and has been used for important documents throughout history due to its durability and longevity.
The process of making parchment paper is an ancient one, and the craft has been passed down through generations. To create the paper, an animal skin is stretched and prepared, typically by scraping and drying. The resulting surface is smooth and durable, ideal for writing and printing.
The use of parchment paper for the US Constitution is significant, not only because of its durability but also because of its symbolic value. Parchment paper has long been associated with important documents and official records, conveying a sense of permanence and authority.
The choice of parchment paper for the Constitution may also have been influenced by the desire to create a document that would stand the test of time. The paper's unique characteristics, including its ability to develop a patina and darken over time, contribute to its distinctive and revered appearance.
Today, replicas of the US Constitution are often printed on parchment paper to emulate the original document's appearance and texture. These replicas offer a tangible connection to the past and allow people to appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating this important document.
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The first draft was seven pages
The first draft of the US Constitution was seven pages long. John Dunlap received this draft from the Committee of Detail for printing on August 4, 1787, and completed the task in just two days. Copies of this draft can be found in the separately collected papers of the Convention, James Madison, and David Brearley.
In early September, the Constitution was sent to the Committee of "Stile and arrangements" for revisions, and new copies of the second draft were printed on September 12. The amended report was read the next day. Copies of this penultimate draft can be found in the papers of Madison, Brearley, and George Washington (Library of Congress).
Three days after the printing of the second draft, 500 copies of the third and final draft were ordered to be printed on September 15. There are now 12 complete final printings (and one incomplete) of the Constitution known to exist. The final printings were rarely auctioned in the 200 years since they were printed. However, in 2024, a copy of the official edition endorsed by the Congress of the Confederation was sold at Brunk Auctions for $9 million.
The US Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, is currently housed in the National Archives. All three documents are written on parchment, a treated animal skin, typically sheepskin, rather than hemp paper. Parchment paper has a unique appearance with crinkles and an aging process that causes it to darken over time.
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There were 500 final copies
On September 15, 1787, three days after the second draft of the U.S. Constitution was printed, the Convention ordered a printing of 500 copies of the third and final draft. There are 12 remaining complete final printings (and one incomplete) of the Constitution known to exist. The final printings were rarely auctioned in the 200 years since they were printed. In 2024, a copy of the official edition endorsed by the Congress of the Confederation was sold at Brunk Auctions for $9 million.
The U.S. Constitution was written on parchment paper, a treated animal skin, typically sheepskin. Parchment paper is unique in appearance, with crinkles and an aging process that causes the paper to darken over time. The National Archives Store sells a full-size replica of the U.S. Constitution, reproduced on parchment writing paper that has been through an aging process to give each document a unique appearance.
The process of creating parchment paper involves stretching and preparing animal skin, typically sheepskin, to create a surface suitable for writing. The skin is stretched taut and treated with a variety of substances, including lime, salt, and egg whites, to remove hair and prepare the surface. The process of making parchment paper was time-consuming and labour-intensive, and it was often considered a luxury item reserved for important documents or works of art.
The use of parchment paper for the U.S. Constitution reflects the significance and durability intended for the document. Parchment paper was known for its durability and longevity, ensuring that the Constitution would withstand the test of time. The choice of parchment paper also contributed to the formal and official nature of the document, setting it apart from everyday correspondence or temporary records.
The printing of 500 final copies of the U.S. Constitution ensured that the document could be distributed to key individuals, institutions, and locations across the newly formed nation. These copies served as the official record of the nation's foundational laws and principles, providing a physical representation of the Constitution's ideals and the framework for the country's governance. The distribution of the 500 copies facilitated the dissemination of the Constitution's content, enabling a broader audience to engage with and understand the rights, responsibilities, and structures outlined within it.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution was written on parchment paper, a type of paper made from animal skin.
The parchment paper used for the US Constitution was made from sheepskin.
The parchment paper was handmade by Jesse Meyer, a relative of John Adams and Samuel Adams.
The US Constitution had four pages.
