In 1953, several members of the staff of the University of North Carolina Press became interested in Button Gwinnett while examining a copy of the Declaration of Independence. His unusual name prompted us to find out more about him, and we were distressed to hear his sad story: the date of his birth was not recorded; he died as the result of a duel; he left no estate and, it was then believed, no descendants; the extant portraits of him have been disputed; his signature is rare; and at that time his place of burial was not known. Our hearts went out to poor Button, and we decided to proclaim a day to commemorate this forgotten hero.

In July 1953, the first Button Gwinnett Day was celebrated at the University of North Carolina Press. This year marks our fifty-first consecutive celebration, which will be held on August 11, 2003.
   
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