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Rare copy of the Declaration of Independence seized by the British in 1776 is found
By Elmira Aliieva | NBC News at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories
· July 3, 2026
· 4 min read
A rare copy of the Declaration of Independence lost for 250 years has been discovered in London, where it is now the only known example of its kind outside the United States.
Printed in Exeter, New Hampshire, just days after the Declaration was adopted on July 4, 1776, the document was intende...
Key takeaway Only 11 copies of the so-called Exeter printing are known to survive, and until this discovery, none had been found outside the United States, Britain’s National Archives said in a press release Thursday.
Why this matters in Frisco News
The discovery of a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence in London's National Archives has significant implications for Frisco residents interested in American history. As a community within the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Frisco is home to numerous historical societies and patriotic organizations that may be intrigued by this find. The fact that this copy, known as the Exeter printing, was seized by the British in 1776 after being carried by an American privateer vessel, adds a fascinating layer to the story of the American Revolution. For locals who value their community's connection to American heritage, this discovery may spark renewed interest in the role of privateers and the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War. It may also prompt discussions about the importance of preserving historical documents and the stories they tell about the nation's founding ideals.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories . Frisco News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A rare copy of the Declaration of Independence lost for 250 years has been discovered in London, where it is now the only known example of its kind outside the United States.
Printed in Exeter, New Hampshire, just days after the Declaration was adopted on July 4, 1776, the document was intende...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories and curated for Frisco News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Elmira Aliieva | NBC News at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories. To learn more about how Frisco News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Frisco News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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