Independence Day: Today in History

Abstract:

This site tells how we've celebrated July 4 since that day in 1776, when the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence. Independence Day celebrations became commonplace after the War of 1812, when events like the ground-breaking ceremony for the Erie Canal were scheduled to coincide with July 4 festivities. By the 1870s, the Fourth of July was the most important secular holiday on the calendar.

Subject:

Humanities, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary, Post-secondary

Collection:

Library of Congress