Rare US Founding Documents Land in Atlanta for Historic 250th Anniversary Tour

A historic collection of founding US documents has landed in Atlanta as part of the Freedom Plane National Tour, marking the nation's 250th anniversary. The exhibit, featuring rare items like the 1774 Articles of Association and George Washington's oath of allegiance, opened at the Atlanta History Center on Monday. Officials say this is the first time such an event has taken place.

The documents arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where Sheffield Hale, president of the Atlanta History Center, received them. They will be on display from March 27 to April 12, with strict lighting controls limiting viewing times. Over 14,000 free tickets have already been booked.

The exhibit includes the 1783 Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War, alongside oaths signed by Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and George Washington. Patrick Madden, president of the National Archives Foundation, called the tour unprecedented. Anne-Laure Desjonquères, France's Consul General in Atlanta, attended the launch, noting the deep ties between the US and France.

After Atlanta, the tour will head to Miami, where the HistoryMiami Museum will host the documents from June 20 to July 5, 2026, on select days. Organisers hope the exhibit will encourage younger visitors, aged 18 to 30, to engage more with civic history.

The tour brings some of America's most important founding papers to the public for the first time. With high demand for tickets and a focus on youth engagement, the exhibit aims to connect new generations with the nation's origins. After Atlanta, the next confirmed stop is Miami in 2026.