Columnists

On This Day: The Committee of Five is born. Nothing will ever be the same

By Salena Zito
Published June 11, 2026 12:19pm ET | Updated June 11, 2026 1:18pm ET
Add Washington Examiner on Google
On This Day: The Committee of Five is born. Nothing will ever be the same
John Trumbull's 1818 painting of the Committee of Five presenting their draft of the Declaration of Independence to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia: John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin (photo public domain).

The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

June 11, 1776

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.

Tag:

America 250 American History American Revolution Declaration of Independence Founding Fathers George Washington Thomas Jefferson