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Rare copy of Declaration of Independence found by UK National Archives in papers of captured US ship
By Danica Kirka, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 4 min read
Michael Scurr has been volunteering at Britain’s National Archives for the last 11 years, spending his Thursday mornings painstakingly cataloging documents for the benefit of future researchers.Then one day last May the retired insurance executive made a discovery of his own while sifting through...
Key takeaway Then one day last May the retired insurance executive made a discovery of his own while sifting through the letters of an 18th-century Royal Navy captain.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The discovery of a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence in the UK National Archives has significant implications for San Antonio 's own historical narrative. As a city with a rich colonial past, San Antonio's residents can appreciate the importance of this document in shaping the course of American history. The fact that this copy was captured from a ship under the direction of the Continental Congress highlights the bravery and determination of American privateers who disrupted British trade and battled the Royal Navy. This find also serves as a reminder of the crucial role that maritime trade and naval warfare played in the American Revolution, a aspect of history that is often overlooked in favor of more famous land battles. As San Antonio celebrates its own unique cultural heritage, this discovery offers a fascinating glimpse into the broader historical context that shaped the city's development.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Michael Scurr has been volunteering at Britain’s National Archives for the last 11 years, spending his Thursday mornings painstakingly cataloging documents for the benefit of future researchers.Then one day last May the retired insurance executive made a discovery of his own while sifting through...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Danica Kirka, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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