Happy 4th of July

posted in: Holidays, Patriotic | 0

The 4th of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence.  The signing of this document declared the

Writing of the Declaration of Independence
Writing of the Declaration of Independence

British colonies a new nation and affirmed our independence from the British Empire.

The area that is now the United States was founded by Christopher Columbus in 1492.   The settlement of Jamestown {in current day Virginia} was first began in 1607 and the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620.  The new settlers had times of peace and strife with the Native Americans before erupting in the seven yearlong French Indian War beginning in 1754.

By 1775 tensions with the British Empire had reached an all-time high due to over taxation and other issues.  The Boston Tea Party in December 1773 only served to heighten these tensions that eventually led to war.  The Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, with John Hancock stating he wanted King George to read his signature without his spectacles.

Many of the signers of the declaration did not sign on July 4th, but as late as August 2, 1776.

George Washington was General to the Continental Army and became the first President of the United States
George Washington was General to the Continental Army and became the first President of the United States

The Revolutionary War raged on until September 3, 1783.

Commander of the Continental Army George Washington was unanimously elected the first President of the United States in 1789.

In 1791, Independence Day was first used.  However, it was almost a century later before the day became a holiday.

In 1870, the U.S. Congress made the day an unpaid federal holiday for employees.

In 1938, Congress changed the holiday to a paid federal holiday.

Today we celebrate the day with Patriotic celebrations, BBQs, family and friends and fireworks.

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