Before 1776

Not every early writing can be classified as a document. The Code of Hammurabi, the most complete record of ancient law in existence, (circe 1780 B.C.) was inscribed upon a stone slab discovered in 1901 and preserved in the Louvre, Paris. The Ten Commandments were originally written upon two stone tablets. But other pre-1776 documents are found on papyrus, scrolls, and paper. And all, have been instrumental in the founding and development of the United States of America. Use the links to the right to read these outstanding writings.