Independence Day is observed on July 4 in the United States. John Adams, the country’s second president, wrote to his wife in 1776 stating that the day would be remembered with festivities and fireworks “from one End of this Continent to the other.”
It should be noted that John Adams was speaking of July 2, 1776, not July 4. The original 13 colonies’ Continental Congress decided to vote for independence from Great Britain on July 2. It took two days for the Declaration of Independence, which was mostly written by Thomas Jefferson, to be formally signed.
First July 4th Celebration
Historian Pauline Maier, who wrote American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence in 1997, observed that early in July 1777, Continental Congress members nearly forgot they had been free of British rule for a year.
When they realised it was too late to celebrate on July 2, they remembered on July 3. As a result, they made the decision to celebrate the nation’s independence on July 4th.
“Yesterday, the Fourth of July, being the anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, was celebrated in this city with demonstrations of joy and festivity,” the Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Evening Post said.
The city was exquisitely illuminated at night, according to The Post, and there was a spectacular fireworks display.
Becoming official holiday
The tradition of celebrating Independence Day grew after the War of 1812 against Britain, with most celebrations occurring on July 4.
John Adams, however, believed that Americans should celebrate their independence on July 2. Historians note that Adams reportedly declined invitations to participate in July 4 events until his death on July 4, 1826.
Thomas Jefferson also died on that same day. The two men were rivals and friends, both past presidents. On the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s signing, they passed away.
The United States Congress formally declared July 4th a holiday in 1870.
Modern-day celebrations
The United States had 2.5 million inhabitants in July 1776. The U.S. Census indicates that there are currently 336 million people living in the nation. Today, fireworks and other celebrations mark the American celebration of Independence Day.
To commemorate “America’s birthday in America’s birthplace,” organisers are throwing a 16-day festival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with food, music, and fireworks.
Still, New York City hosts the biggest Fourth of July fireworks show. It is televised nationwide and observable from nearby states like Connecticut and New Jersey.
The Independence Day Boat Parade is a celebration of the event and the heritage of the Delaware coast in the little village of Lewes.
Movie buffs in Los Angeles, California, have the option of spending the holiday viewing vintage Hollywood productions from the lush lawns of the famed Hollywood Forever cemetery.
Food, sports, and late-night fireworks are all part of the Independence Day celebrations in Anchorage, Alaska, up north. This time of year, there are 19 hours of daylight, therefore the fireworks show doesn’t start until after midnight.
