How long after the American Revolution started was the Declaration of Independence signed?

Many people believe the Declaration of Independence started the American Revolution. However, this belief is incorrect, for the war had already begun by the time the Declaration was signed. The first conflicts of the war took place on April 19, 1775, with the battles of Lexington and Concord. The first major battle of the Revolution--the Battle of Bunker Hill--took place two months later, in June 1775.

Despite the fact that the disagreement with Britain had descended into armed conflict, the Second Continental Congress continued to sue for peace. In July, they sent the "Olive Branch Petition" to King George III as a last-ditch attempt for reconciliation. However, George rejected the document and declared the colonies to be in rebellion to Britain.

Over the next few months, it became clear to the Congress that peace was no longer on the table. They drafted a Declaration of Independence and issued it on July 4, 1776. Thus, the war started nearly 1 year and 2 months before the Declaration of Independence was signed.