Yes, the Declaration of Independence was written in cursive. The original document, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and later edited by the Continental Congress, was handwritten in a style known as ‘engrossed’ script. This style of writing was common during the 18th century and was used for important documents to ensure clarity and formality.
The final version of the Declaration, which was signed by the members of the Continental Congress, was penned by Timothy Matlack, a skilled penman. Matlack’s handwriting is a fine example of the cursive script used at the time, characterized by its flowing, connected letters and elegant appearance.
Today, the original Declaration of Independence is housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C., where it is carefully preserved. The cursive writing on the document is a testament to the historical practices of the era and remains a significant part of American history.