A Brief History of the Fourth
Nine moments — from the ink drying in Philadelphia to a 7-million-strong Bicentennial — that built America's loudest birthday.
- 1776
Declaration adopted
The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 — though most delegates didn't sign until August 2.
- 1777
First fireworks
Philadelphia held the first organized July 4 fireworks display in 1777 — one year after independence was declared.
- 1785
Oldest celebration
Bristol, Rhode Island has held a Fourth of July celebration every year since 1785 — the longest continuous in the country.
- 1791
'Independence Day' coined
The name 'Independence Day' first appeared in print in 1791. Before that, it was 'Anniversary of Independence.'
- 1870
Federal holiday
Congress made July 4 an unpaid federal holiday in 1870. It became paid in 1938.
- 1818
Stars and stripes set
Congress fixed the flag at 13 stripes for the original colonies and one star per state — a star is added on the July 4 following statehood.
- 1826
Founders' farewell
Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826 — the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.
- 1872
Same-day Founders
James Monroe also died on July 4 (1831). Calvin Coolidge is the only president born on the Fourth (1872).
- 1976
Bicentennial
The 1976 Bicentennial drew an estimated 7 million people to celebrations across the country. Operation Sail brought tall ships to New York Harbor.
"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival." — John Adams, July 3, 1776