America’s Historical Documents

America's Historical Documents

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 .

Declaration of Independence

Articles of Confederation

The Constitution

Bill of Rights

Louisiana Purchase

List of Lewis's Purchases

District of Columbia Emancipation

Emancipation Proclamation

Abolition of Slavery

Check for Alaska

Edison's Light Bulb Patent

Zimmermann Telegram

Women's Right to Vote

Social Security Act

FDR's "Day of Infamy" Speech

Brown v. Board of Education

A Letter from Jackie Robinson

Voting Rights Act

Apollo 11 Flight Plan

Elvis's Letter to President Nixon

Leathernecks storm ashore at InchonToday's Document September 15th: Leathernecks storm ashore at Inchon

Today's Document AppToday's Document Mobile App Now Available for Android and iPhone

More Documents & Exhibits

  • Online Exhibits
    Online exhibits of photos, documents and more from the holdings of the National Archives.
  • The Charters of Freedom
    Explore the story behind the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution & the Bill of Rights.
  • Our Documents
    100 Milestone Documents of American History
  • Teaching with Documents
    Lesson plans and resources based on primary documents from the National Archives.
  • Traveling Exhibits
    See when our traveling collections will be near you.

Research

Highlights

Visit the National Archives Experience
Journey into our nation's past.


America’s Historical Documents >

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272