The Declaration Arrives in Exeter
6/3/2026 | 1m 10sVideo has Closed Captions
A historic mix-up led to New Hampshire’s Declaration arriving late in Exeter, NH.
Why does Exeter celebrate Independence Day later than July 4th? The answer lies in a delayed delivery, a historic printing, and one of America’s original copies of the Declaration of Independence.
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Granite State History Minute is a local public television program presented by NHPBS
The Declaration Arrives in Exeter
6/3/2026 | 1m 10sVideo has Closed Captions
Why does Exeter celebrate Independence Day later than July 4th? The answer lies in a delayed delivery, a historic printing, and one of America’s original copies of the Declaration of Independence.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipThis being America's 250th year.
The 4th of July will bring a lot of celebrations all around the country, but Exeter, New Hampshire, will be celebrating a couple of weeks later.
Have you ever wondered why?
At the time of the Revolutionary War, Exeter was the capital of New Hampshire, though you might think that Portsmouth would have been the obvious choice, it was considered too vulnerable to attack from the sea and too filled with loyalists to Britain.
After the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, copies were sent to the colonies, the Continental Army and the King.
New Hampshire's copy was sent by horseback to the Capitol, which was accidentally thought to be Portsmouth.
A quick turnaround happened when it arrived and it was sent on to Exeter, arriving on July 16th.
There is still an original Dunlop broadside in Exeter for the public to view, and every year, a couple of weeks into July, Exeter and its American Independence Museum host a festival in celebration of the Declaration's meaning, and its dedication to the ongoing pursuit of liberty.
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Granite State History Minute is a local public television program presented by NHPBS