Independence Day History

The birth of a nation... and a national holiday

Independence Day falls on July 4th each year, as a commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The signing took place on July 4th, 1776 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. But the evolution of the holiday takes a little explaining.

Why the signing took place

At the time of the Declaration of Independence, the United States was made up of 13 colonies that were still under the rule of England. Major taxes sent down by King George III and a lack of representation in decisions were causing unrest among the colonies, and in 1774 the 13 colonies sent delegates to Pennsylvania to create the Continental Congress.

By April 1775, they didn't have to make the decision. English troops advanced on Concord, MA, beginning the battle of Concord. The shot heard round the world was fired. The American Revolution had begun and would last for the next eight years.

Throughout the following year, the Continental Congress fought a desperate war of words with England, but no compromise could be reached. By June 1776, the efforts were declared hopeless and the congressman gathered to draft a formal declaration of independence from England.

The signing of the Declaration

Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the document, and discussion was held for the rest of June regarding exact wording and terms. A final vote was taken on July 4th. Out of the 13 delegates, the Declaration was voted in with nine delegates in favor.

The Declaration of Independence was read publicly on July 8th to cheering crowds. The ringing of the Province Bell (later re-named the Liberty Bell) signified the great event.

The development of the holiday

The American Revolution lasted until 1783. Each year of the war, when July 4th rolled around, colonists held celebrations where bells were rung and candles and firecrackers were lighted. But the holiday was not proclaimed official until the end of the war, and it was not named a federal holiday until 1941.

Every 4th of July, Americans gather with day-long picnics, lively music, baseball games, and parades. And each 4th of July at nightfall, towns and cities hold extravagant fireworks displays to commemorate the birth of a nation. Independence Day, and the celebration which marks it, have become part of the fabric of being an American.

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