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NI printer who fought alongside George Washington honoured

June 17, 2026

John Dunlap, born in Strabane, County Tyrone in 1746, emigrated to America at age 10 to apprentice with his printer uncle in Philadelphia and eventually took over the business. In July 1776, he was contracted by the Second Continental Congress to print approximately 200 copies of the newly adopted Declaration of Independence, known as the Dunlap Broadsides, which were distributed throughout the colonies to inform the public. Beyond his printing legacy, Dunlap also served as a soldier in George Washington's cavalry during the Revolutionary War and invested his own money in the war effort.

Who is affected

  • John Dunlap (historical figure being honored)
  • People of Strabane, County Tyrone (his birthplace receiving the commemoration)
  • Attendees at the blue plaque ceremony outside Gray's Printers
  • Dr. William Roulston and the Ulster Historical Foundation (providing historical context)
  • The broader communities of Northern Ireland and the United States (connected through this historical legacy)

What action is being taken

  • John Dunlap is being honored with a blue plaque installation in Strabane, County Tyrone, with people gathering outside Gray's Printers for the ceremony on Wednesday.

Why it matters

  • This recognition highlights how individuals from small places can have outsized impacts on world history, as Dunlap's printing of the Declaration of Independence made him instrumental in disseminating one of history's most influential documents that shaped American independence and inspired democratic movements globally. The story demonstrates the historical connections between Ireland and the founding of the United States, with the Declaration's principles of equality and unalienable rights becoming among the most quoted and influential statements in the English language. Dunlap's dual contribution as both printer and soldier exemplifies the multifaceted ways Irish emigrants influenced American history.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC

NI printer who fought alongside George Washington honoured