Overview
- Thomas Paine’s pamphlet was first printed in Philadelphia on Jan. 9, 1776 at Robert Bell’s shop near today’s 3rd and Walnut streets, initially issued anonymously as “By an Englishman.”
- Historians credit the tract’s plainspoken attack on monarchy and call for independence with helping move colonial opinion toward a break with Britain and laying groundwork for the Declaration within six months.
- “Common Sense” became a colonial bestseller, widely read and heard in public settings, reaching far beyond formal political circles.
- The Museum of the American Revolution is marking the anniversary with an early copy on display, and a historic marker denotes the original printing site.
- A national Paine memorial authorized in 2022 still awaits Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s endorsement after a 2024 recommendation for National Mall placement, with private funding required and a 2030 completion deadline if approved.