America's Historical Documents (2024)

The National Archives preserves and provides access to the records of the Federal Government. Here is a sample of these records, from our most celebrated milestones to little-known surprises .

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Declaration of Independence

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Articles of Confederation

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The Constitution

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Bill of Rights

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List of Lewis's Purchases

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District of Columbia Emancipation

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Emancipation Proclamation

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Abolition of Slavery

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Edison's Light Bulb Patent

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Zimmermann Telegram

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Women's Right to Vote

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Social Security Act

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FDR's "Day of Infamy" Speech

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Brown v. Board of Education

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A Letter from Jackie Robinson

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Voting Rights Act

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Apollo 11 Flight Plan

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Elvis's Letter to President Nixon

America's Historical Documents (2024)

FAQs

What are the important documents of American history? ›

Here is a sample of these records, from our most celebrated milestones to little-known surprises .
  • Declaration of Independence.
  • Articles of Confederation.
  • The Constitution.
  • Bill of Rights.
  • Louisiana Purchase.
  • List of Lewis's Purchases.
  • District of Columbia Emancipation.
  • Emancipation Proclamation.
Jun 26, 2017

Where is the best place to find historical documents? ›

For the arts, history, and humanities, original primary source documents usually are housed in museums, archives, restricted library collections, and government offices. Reproductions of primary source documents often can be found in online digital collections, microform collections, books, and other secondary works.

What was the first document that kept the United States united? ›

The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777. This document served as the United States' first constitution. It was in force from March 1, 1781, until 1789 when the present-day Constitution went into effect.

Are the documents in the National Archives real? ›

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. Of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted by the United States federal government, only 1%-3% are so important for legal or historical reasons that they are kept by us forever.

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