local
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)
· 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 The Trophy Club
The discovery of a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence in London's National Archives has significant implications for local historians and enthusiasts in Trophy Club , Texas. As a community within the Dallas-Fort Worth area, residents may be interested to learn about the role of privateers during the Revolutionary War, particularly in disrupting British trade and supply lines. The fact that the seized papers included the Dalton's commission and official orders explaining the rules of warfare for privateers provides a unique glimpse into the inner workings of these privately owned ships. For locals, this discovery may spark a renewed interest in the region's own historical connections to the American Revolution, and potentially lead to further research and exploration of the area's role in the country's founding history. Additionally, the story of the Dalton's mission and its connection to the Declaration of Independence may inspire local educators to develop new lesson plans and programs highlighting the importance of this period in American history.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . The Trophy Club 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) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) ·
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) and curated for The Trophy Club readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Elmira Aliieva | NBC News at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS). To learn more about how The Trophy Club selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Trophy Club, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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