History of the Fourth

What does that stand for? Fireworks! Not exactly, although, I think some people only associate the fourth with a big booming show of explosives. This is the day that represents the signing of the Independence from Great Britain. On July 2, 1776 thirteen colonies gained their Independence when a congress approved the request. It took two days to write up a form of Independence explaining this decision, which was written by a committee of five. Thus, the fourth of July was born as the day that the United States became independent from Great Britain.

Something that I’ve always found interesting is that two of the signers, of the Independence, died on the the fourth, years later, and they both also went on to serve as Presidents of the United States. I must add, they didn’t just die on a fourth of July, but the exact same year, which happened to be the 50th anniversary of  the Independence.  That is just fascinating to me!

In 1776, there were 13 gun salutes fired, both in the morning and evening, to mark the official declaration of Independence.

Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary a lot like we do to this day. They held a big dinner, made speeches, had a parade, and of course, shot off fireworks in celebration.