Independence Hall was built in 1753 and was then called Pennsylvania State House. In those days, it was the most pretentious building in all thirteen colonies; it was and remains a national symbol. It was here that the famous American Declaration of Independence was signed. The discussion of the articles of the declaration was attended by 12 delegations from 13 colonies. The chairman of the council was President George Washington. The discussion itself lasted from May to September 1787. As a result, a declaration was created consisting of a preamble and seven articles, which was signed by all 12 delegations, and in March 1789, after the ratification of the declaration by the last state, New Hampshire, it entered into force.