Jonah Patel
The United States Constitution is currently housed in a glass case at the National Archives. It is written on parchment, a type of animal skin, typically sheepskin, that is stretched out and treated with lime. There is an urban legend that the Constitution was originally written on hemp paper, but this is not true. However, it is likely that drafts of the document were written on paper made from hemp, as most paper at the time was made from hemp or flax and a mixture of recycled rags and cloth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Parchment (animal skin) |
| Number of Pages | 4 |
| Location | National Archives |
| Display | Permanently displayed under glass |
| Preservation Treatment | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
The US Constitution is written on parchment
The use of hemp paper for the drafts is not surprising, given that in that period, most paper was made from hemp or flax, as well as recycled rags and cloth. The final version, however, was engrossed on parchment, which is a prepared animal skin that has been stretched and treated. Parchment was commonly used for important documents at the time, and its durability is evident in the well-preserved state of the US Constitution today.
The four pages of the Constitution are on permanent display at the National Archives, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, both of which are also written on parchment. The Declaration was inked with iron gall ink, a detail that adds to the historical significance of these documents. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory was tasked with creating a system to monitor the physical status of these important documents, demonstrating the meticulous care required to preserve them for future generations.
The US Constitution, housed in its glass case, is a testament to the enduring nature of parchment. The use of animal skin for important documents ensured their longevity, and the Constitution has withstood the test of time, remaining intact and legible despite the passage of over two centuries. The choice of parchment for the final version of the Constitution was a prudent one, ensuring that the words and principles enshrined within would endure as a foundation for the nation.
The preservation of the US Constitution is an ongoing process. In 2003, the document was transported in a convoy of guarded trucks for preservation treatment, reflecting the meticulous care required to maintain its integrity. The Constitution's journey back to the renovated Rotunda symbolises the continuous effort to safeguard this pivotal parchment, ensuring its survival for future generations to witness and appreciate.
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Parchment is made from animal skin
Parchment is a material created from animal skin, typically sheepskin. The process of making parchment involves treating the animal skin to create a long-lasting surface that is suitable for writing on. This treatment process is what differentiates parchment from regular animal skin, giving it its unique qualities and characteristics.
The use of parchment for important documents, such as the Constitution, was common due to its durability and longevity. Parchment has been used for centuries, dating back to ancient times, and was a preferred material for preserving historical records and significant writings. Its resilience has ensured that important documents, like the Constitution, have endured the test of time and remain intact for future generations to study and appreciate.
The process of making parchment involves several steps. First, the animal skin, typically sourced from sheep, goats, or calves, is cleaned and soaked in water to remove any hair or remaining flesh. This process is known as "liming" and helps prepare the skin for further treatment. After liming, the skin is stretched and dried, often using a wooden frame, to create a smooth and taut surface. This stretching process is crucial, as it helps prevent the skin from shrinking and ensures the final product is flat and even.
Once dried, the parchment is then rubbed with a smooth stone or glass to create a finer, more even surface suitable for writing or illumination. The final step involves treating the parchment with a substance such as lime or chalk to improve its durability and give it a more refined appearance. This treatment process is what gives parchment its unique qualities, making it resistant to moisture and insects, and providing a long-lasting alternative to traditional paper.
The use of parchment for the Constitution, as well as other significant documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, highlights the importance and value placed on these writings. By using parchment, the Founding Fathers ensured that their words and ideas would be preserved for centuries to come, allowing future generations to appreciate and understand the foundations of the nation.
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A hoax claims the Constitution was written on hemp paper
A hoax claims the United States Constitution was originally written on hemp paper. However, according to the National Constitution Center, this is not true, as the final document was written on parchment, which is made from animal skin. Parchment was also used for the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, which, along with the Constitution, are housed in the National Archives.
Some sources suggest that drafts of the Constitution may have been written on hemp paper. This is supported by the fact that, at the time, most paper was made from hemp or flax, and a mixture of recycled rags and cloth. However, this is refuted by PolitiFact. The claim that the Constitution was written on hemp paper is often attributed to Jack Herer's 1985 book, *The Emperor Wears No Clothes*.
The myth may have persisted due to the prevalence of hemp paper at the time. Until 1883, 75% to 90% of all paper in the world was made from cannabis hemp fiber. The hemp plant is very versatile and can be used in shampoos, fabrics, medical drugs, rope, and as an alternative fuel. However, the quality of paper made from hemp is much greater than that made from cotton, and it lasts longer. Famous writings on hemp paper include The Gutenberg Bible, The King James Bible, Thomas Paine's pamphlets, and the works of Mark Twain, Alexander Dumas, and Victor Hugo.
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The Declaration of Independence was drafted on hemp paper
The claim that the Declaration of Independence was drafted on hemp paper is widely disputed. It is a well-known urban legend that the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. In fact, the final version of the document was written on parchment, which is a treated animal skin, typically sheepskin. However, there is some evidence to suggest that drafts of the document may have been written on hemp paper.
Hemp was a common material for paper-making during the time period in which the Declaration of Independence was drafted. It is estimated that until 1883, 75% to 90% of all paper in the world was made from cannabis hemp fiber. The hemp plant is very versatile and can be used to make a variety of products, including paper, rope, fuel, shampoo, fabrics, and medical drugs. The paper made from hemp is also of higher quality and lasts longer than paper made from other materials, such as cotton.
Some sources claim that the first and second drafts of the Declaration of Independence, dated June 28, 1776, and July 2, 1776, respectively, were written on Dutch hemp paper. However, this claim has been disputed by organizations such as Monticello and PolitiFact, who argue that the drafts were more likely written on Dutch paper made from flax or linen rags, which were more commonly used in the Netherlands at the time.
While it is unclear whether the drafts of the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper, it is worth noting that hemp was a widely used material for paper-making during that time period. The association of hemp with the Declaration of Independence has been used by some as an argument for the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, although it is unclear why the use of hemp as a fiber should have any bearing on its legal status for recreational use.
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The Constitution is housed in a glass case at the National Archives
The US Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, is housed in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. These documents are collectively referred to as the Charters of Freedom. The Charters of Freedom are displayed in a climate-controlled space within the archives' rotunda, also known as the Exhibition Hall. The Exhibition Hall was specifically designed to house these precious documents, providing a safe and secure environment for their preservation and exhibition.
The Charters of Freedom were transferred to the National Archives in 1952, arriving in a procession of tanks and an armoured personnel carrier. Prior to their move, they were controlled by the State Department and had been displayed at various locations, including the Centennial Exhibition in 1876 in Philadelphia and the State, War, and Navy Building in Washington, DC. However, due to concerns about fading, they were removed from display in 1894 and remained in storage until 1920.
At the National Archives, the Charters of Freedom are placed in a custom-built, 50-ton steel and concrete safe that is bomb-and fire-proof. This safe includes a specially designed elevator that allows the documents to be stored in a secure vault at night and then raised into their display cases during the day. The display cases are located within the rotunda, beneath two large murals painted by artist Barry Faulkner. These murals depict the historical events surrounding the creation of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, further emphasising the significance of these documents.
The National Archives Building is not only a safe and secure location for the Charters of Freedom but also a popular destination for visitors interested in the nation's founding documents. The building is rated as one of the safest in the Washington area, with advanced security features and climate control systems in place to protect the precious documents it houses. The US Constitution, housed within the National Archives, serves as a tangible reminder of the nation's history and the principles upon which it was founded.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution is written on parchment, which is a type of treated animal skin, typically sheepskin.
The US Constitution is housed in a glass case at the National Archives, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
The US Constitution has four pages on permanent display at the National Archives. However, there is a fifth page—the Letter of Transmittal that describes the Constitution.
No, that is an urban legend. However, it is likely that drafts of the document were written on paper made from hemp, as most paper during that period was made from hemp or flax and a mixture of recycled rags and cloth.
