Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, July 3, 2024 -- SEVEN
Colonial Unrest to Modern Celebrations: The History of the 4th
By Chris Sykes
The history of the
Fourth of July dates back
to the American Revolu-
tionary War and the events
leading up to the adop-
tion of the Declaration of
Independence. Here’s a
detailed look at the key
historical moments and
developments:
Prelude to Indepen-
dence
Colonial Unrest:
Throughout the 1760s and
early 1770s, the American
colonies experienced grow-
ing unrest due to British
policies, including taxation
without representation, the
Stamp Act, and the Town-
shend Acts. These measures
sparked widespread pro-
tests and resistance among
the colonists.
First Continental Con-
gress: In 1774, represen-
tatives from the colonies
convened the First Conti-
nental Congress to address
grievances against British
rule and to organize a coor-
dinated response. This was
a significant step toward
unity among the colonies.
Outbreak of War: The
conflict escalated into open
warfare in April 1775 with
the battles of Lexington
and Concord, marking the
beginning of the American
Revolutionary War.
Declaration of Inde-
pendence
Second Continental
Congress: In May 1775,
the Second Continental
Congress convened in Phil-
adelphia. As the war contin-
ued, the push for complete
independence from Britain
gained momentum.
Drafting the Decla-
ration: In June 1776, the
Continental Congress ap-
pointed a committee to draft
a declaration of indepen-
dence. Thomas Jefferson
was chosen to write the
first draft, with input and
revisions from John Adams,
Benjamin Franklin, Roger
Sherman, and Robert R.
Livingston.
Adoption of the Decla-
ration: On July 2, 1776, the
Continental Congress voted
in favor of independence.
Two days later, on July 4,
1776, the Declaration of
Independence was formally
adopted, announcing the
colonies’ separation from
Britain and outlining the
principles of individual
liberty and government by
consent of the governed.
Early Celebrations
First Celebrations: The
first celebrations of inde-
pendence began in 1777,
with Philadelphia holding
an official dinner, parades,
and fireworks. Similar cele-
brations took place in other
cities.
Continental Army Mo-
rale: General George Wash-
ington had the Declaration
read to his troops to boost
morale and reaffirm the
cause for which they were
fighting.
Evolution of the Hol-
iday
State Recognitions:
Over the following years,
various states began to rec-
ognize July 4th as a holiday,
with celebrations including
public readings of the Dec-
laration, patriotic speeches,
and community events.
Federal Holiday: In
1870, almost a century after
the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, Congress made
the Fourth of July a federal
holiday. It was further es-
tablished as a paid holiday
for federal employees in
1941.
Modern Celebrations
National Holiday: To-
day, the Fourth of July is
celebrated across the Unit-
ed States with a wide range
of festivities, including
fireworks, parades, con-
certs, barbecues, and family
gatherings. It is a day for
Americans to express their
patriotism and reflect on the
nation’s history and values.
The Fourth of July re-
mains a symbol of Ameri-
can freedom and indepen-
dence, honoring the found-
ing principles and the en-
during spirit of the nation.
Here are some interest-
ing facts about the Fourth
of July:
John Adams’ Predic-
tion: John Adams, a key
figure in the push for in-
dependence, believed that
July 2nd, the day the Con-
tinental Congress voted for
independence, would be
celebrated as the nation’s
birthday. He famously
wrote to his wife, Abigail,
predicting that July 2nd
would be celebrated “by
succeeding generations,
as the great anniversary
festival.”
Declaration Copies:
After the adoption of the
Declaration of Indepen-
dence, it was printed and
distributed to the colonies.
The first public reading
of the document occurred
on July 8, 1776, in Phil-
adelphia’s Independence
Square.
Founding Fathers’
Deaths: Both Thomas Jef-
ferson and John Adams, two
of the signers of the Decla-
ration of Independence and
former presidents, died on
July 4, 1826, the 50th anni-
versary of the Declaration’s
adoption. James Monroe,
the fifth president, also died
on July 4, five years later
in 1831.
Largest Fireworks Dis-
play: The Macy’s Fourth of
July Fireworks in New York
City is one of the largest and
most famous fireworks dis-
plays in the United States,
attracting millions of view-
ers both in person and via
broadcast.
National Anthem Con-
nection: The tune of “The
Star-Spangled Banner,”
the national anthem of the
United States, was origi-
nally a drinking song from
a British social club.
Flags and Decorations:
Approximately $1 billion
is spent on fireworks each
year in the United States.
Additionally, Americans
purchase millions of Ameri-
can flags, bunting, and other
patriotic decorations to
celebrate the holiday.
13-Gun Salute: The
United States military ob-
serves Independence Day
by firing a “Salute to the
Union,” a 50-gun salute,
one for each state, at noon
on July 4th at military bas-
es.
Oldest Fourth of July
Celebration: The oldest
continuous Independence
Day celebration in the
United States is the Bris-
tol Fourth of July Parade
in Bristol, Rhode Island,
which began in 1785.
Colonial Inspired
Recipes: Many tradition-
-Continued to PAGE EIGHT
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