While we’re on the subject of the Declaration of Independence, have you ever wondered why Americans refer to a signature as a 'John Hancock'? It all comes down to the looping cursive favoured by the famous Founding Father, who signed his name in such large, clear writing that it could supposedly be read without spectacles. Although the declaration was voted through on 2 July, most historians agree that the document wasn't actually signed until 2 August.

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30 intriguing facts from US history you probably never knew