Federal Publications and Founding Documents and the American Revolution

The South Carolina State Library’s Federal Documents Collection highlights numerous works in its collection that feature the founding documents of the United States of America.

In this month’s display, library visitors may explore several examples of founding documents of the United States of America through historical and current federal publications accessible in the South Carolina State Library’s Federal Documents Collection. This display features works on The Declaration of Independence, the Signers of the Constitution, the formation of the United States Constitution, the analysis and interpretation of the United States Constitution, as well as historical sites associated with events related to the American Revolution and the Founding of our Country.

Federal Documents

Cover of The Declaration of Independence: Illustrated Story of its Adoption, with the Biographies and Portraits of the Signers and of the Secretary of the Congress.

The Declaration of Independence: Illustrated Story of its Adoption, with the Biographies and Portraits of the Signers and of the Secretary of the Congress

This volume was prepared primarily as an aid to those in charge of a 1904 Department of State exhibit at expositions in explaining that part of the exhibit relating to the Declaration of Independence. It provides an illustrated history of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, including biographies and portraits of the signers, as well as facsimiles of related documents.

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Cover of Signers of the Declaration: Historic Places Commemorating the Signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Signers of the Declaration: Historic Places Commemorating the Signing of the Declaration of Independence

This publication describes the historical background of the Declaration of Independence, offers biographical sketches of its signers, and surveys historic sites and buildings associated with them.

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Cover of A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents, 1789-1897.

A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents, 1789-1897

An eleven-volume series comprised of special messages, proclamations, and inaugural speeches from several U.S. Presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Quincy Adams, and others. Controversy surrounding this work led to the prohibition on copyrights of works of the federal government in 1895.

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Cover of Religion and the Founding of the American Republic.

Religion and the Founding of the American Republic

In a clear and original treatment of a controversial topic, historian James H. Hutson describes the rise of organized religion in America and its interaction with government from the arrival of Protestant and Catholic groups in New England and the Middle Colonies (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware) in the early 17th century to the establishment of new religious groups in the early decades of the 19th century. By interpreting the Puritans' arrival in New England in the context of European religious persecution, he lays the groundwork for his examination of the evolving relationship between church and state in America.

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Cover of History of the Formation of the Union Under the Constitution: With Liberty Documents and Report of the Commission.

History of the Formation of the Union Under the Constitution: With Liberty Documents and Report of the Commission

The History of the Formation of the Union Under the Constitution with Liberty Documents and Report of the Commission is a comprehensive document that details the process of forming the United States Constitution. It includes a detailed account of the liberty documents and the Commission's report. The document is authored by Sol Bloom, the director general of the United States Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the historical context and significance of the Constitution.

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Cover of Signers of the Constitution: Historic Places Commemorating the Signing of the Constitution.

Signers of the Constitution: Historic Places Commemorating the Signing of the Constitution

This publication offers a comprehensive overview of the historic places commemorating the signing of the Constitution. It includes a survey of historic sites related to its drafting and signing, along with historical background information, biographical profiles, and a survey of historic sites and buildings. This resource is particularly useful for those interested in the history of the United States and the Constitution. 

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Cover of The Citizen's Almanac: Fundamental Documents, Symbols, and Anthems of the United States.

The Citizen's Almanac: Fundamental Documents, Symbols, and Anthems of the United States

The Citizen's Almanac, a collection of America's most cherished symbols of freedom and liberty, serves as a modern-day lifeline to our rich civic history. From historic speeches to landmark Supreme Court decisions, The Citizen's Almanac offers a fascinating look into the fundamental civic values that have helped shape the country we know today. 

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Cover of Twelve Flags of the American Revolution.

Twelve Flags of the American Revolution

This publication is an exhibition catalog prepared by the Library of Congress’s American Revolution Bicentennial Office, presenting 12 historic flags associated with the American Revolution. Brief, illustrated entries describe each flag’s origins, use, and symbolism within the broader struggle for independence, with references for further reading.

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Cover of Gathering History: The Marian S. Carson Collection of Americana.

Gathering History: The Marian S. Carson Collection of Americana

The most significant acquisition of Americana by the Library of Congress in this century, the Marion S. Carson Collection features extensive historical materials including manuscripts, photographs, prints, drawings, and books from the colonial period through the 1876 Centennial celebration. In essays accompanied by color photographs of 125 documents, renowned historian Robert V. Remini and Library of Congress experts show how the largely unexplored Carson Collection deepens our understanding of early American life and culture, and could even change current views of the nation's ongoing story.

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Cover of The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation; annotations of cases decided by the Supreme Court of the United States to June 30, 1952.

The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation; annotations of cases decided by the Supreme Court of the United States to June 30, 1952

The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation, edited by Edward Corwin, is a comprehensive resource that provides an in-depth analysis and interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, along with annotations of Supreme Court cases decided up to June 30, 1952. This edition is a valuable tool for understanding the Constitution's principles and applications in various legal contexts.

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Upcoming Event

Photo of Queen Quet against a swirling, cosmic background.

Celebrating de Gullah/Geechee Legacy with Queen Quet

April 28, 2026, 6:00 PM

Please join us for our next Speaker at the Center talk with  Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation as she celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition at the South Carolina State Library.

This Week