When is independence day

Jefferson, who was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer, crafted the original draft document as seen above. A total of 86 changes were made to his draft and the Continental Congress officially adopted the final version on July 4, The following day, copies of the Declaration of Independence were distributed, and on July 6, The Pennsylvania Evening Post became the first newspaper to print the extraordinary document.

One year later, on July 4, , Philadelphia marked Independence Day by adjourning Congress and celebrating with bonfires, bells and fireworks. The custom eventually spread to other towns, both large and small, where the day was marked with processions, oratory, picnics, contests, games, military displays and fireworks. But which date has the legitimate claim on Independence Day: July 2 or July 4?

If John Adams were alive today, he would tell you July 2. Other Founders would say July 4, the day that is currently recognized as a federal holiday by our national government. After voting on independence on July 2, the Continental Congress then needed to draft a document explaining the move to the public.

Once the Congress approved the actual Declaration of Independence document on July 4, it ordered that it be sent to a printer named John Dunlap. Today, 26 copies remain. By the last decade of the 18th century, the two major political parties—the Federalist Party and Democratic-Republicans—that had arisen began holding separate Fourth of July celebrations in many large cities. The first fireworks were used as early as BC. The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, , during the first organized celebration of Independence Day.

The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of , in which the United States again faced Great Britain.

In , the U. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in , the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees. Over the years, the political importance of the holiday would decline, but Independence Day remained an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism. Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues.

But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Subscribe for fascinating stories connecting the past to the present. Presidents' Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February; Presidents' Day will occur on Monday, February Originally established in in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents' Day after it Without them, there would have been no United States of America.

The Founding Fathers, a group of predominantly wealthy plantation owners and businessmen, united 13 disparate colonies, fought for independence from Britain and penned a series of influential governing documents When armed conflict between bands of American colonists and British soldiers began in April , the Americans were ostensibly fighting only