Think you know July 4? Think again
Two hundred fifty years ago this week, 56 delegates to the Continental Congress adopted a document that changed the world—though not quite on the day most Americans think.
As the United States marks its semiquincentennial, Sara Collini, assistant professor in the Department of History and Geography at The University of Texas at Arlington, sat down to separate fact from folklore surrounding July 4, 1776. Why did John Adams believe July 2 would be the date Americans celebrated forever? How did a five-person committee—and one reluctant draftsman—produce the document that declared independence to the world? And how did the earliest Fourth of July celebrations compare to today's cookouts and fireworks?
Dr. Collini answers those questions and explains why the Declaration's legacy—and the movements it inspired at home and abroad—deserves as much attention as the document itself.
What's the most surprising thing most Americans don't know about July 4, 1776?
Collini: One of the most surprising things about July 4, 1776, is that independence was officially approved two days before. Congress passed the resolution for independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. John Adams even wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, stating, "The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival."
Citation for quote: Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776, "Had a Declaration..." [electronic edition]. Adams Family Papers: An Electronic Archive. Massachusetts Historical Society. https://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/archive/doc?id=L17760703jasecond.
The Declaration of Independence is dated July 4, but it seems like you’re saying the story is more complicated than that. What actually happened?
Collini: On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee formally introduced in Congress a resolution for independence after a unanimous call for it from the Virginia Convention in May. Congress soon elected a committee of five delegates—Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston—to write a document that declared independence. Jefferson served as the draftsman, with edits largely made by Adams and Franklin. Influenced by the Virginia Declaration of Rights as well as other political documents and ideas, the Declaration is made up of three main parts: the preamble, the list of grievances against King George III and the British government, and the concluding paragraph that declared independence to the world. The committee submitted the draft to Congress on June 28 for inspection. On July 2, Congress officially passed the independence resolution before debating and revising the draft declaration. Congress approved the final version of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
How did Americans celebrate Independence Day in the nation's early years?
Collini: Americans have celebrated independence on the Fourth of July since the first anniversary in 1777. In the nation's early years, there were parades, militia displays and artillery salutes, bell ringing, public readings of the Declaration, speeches or "orations" that reflected on the day's national importance, toasts made to honor the states and those who had fought and died in the Revolutionary War, special dinners with drinks and music, nighttime candle illuminations, bonfires and even fireworks.
What moment or chapter in America’s history deserves more attention than it typically receives?
Collini: As important as it is to study the Declaration of Independence’s origin in 1776, it is equally as important to study its legacy since. The language in that founding document of "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" influenced movements that sought to extend those same ideals to more Americans, including the movements for abolition and women's rights in the 19th century. The Declaration also had a global impact, influencing other states to declare independence and assert sovereignty.
Citation for quote: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 300,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.