On This Day - July 4
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let's look back at some of the most significant events in history that happened on this day, starting with...
1776: Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, formally asserting the American colonies' separation from British rule and laying the foundation for the United States of America.
1802: US Military Academy Opens
The first military academy in the United States officially began operations at West Point, New York, laying the foundation for the nation's future military leadership.
1804: Birth of Nathaniel Hawthorne
American author Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in Salem, Massachusetts. His literary legacy would later include psychologically rich works like The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables.
1826: Adams and Jefferson Die
On the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, former presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both passed away—an event President John Quincy Adams called a “visible and palpable remark of Divine Favor.”
1827: Slavery Abolished in New York
New York formally abolished slavery, freeing more than 10,000 enslaved individuals and marking a major step forward in the state’s civil rights history.
1865: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Published
Lewis Carroll’s whimsical and surreal tale was released in London, though the initial print run was quickly recalled due to unsatisfactory illustrations. A revised edition would follow later that year.
1884: Statue of Liberty Gifted
France formally presented the Statue of Liberty to the United States in Paris—a gift symbolizing friendship and shared ideals, destined to become an American icon.
1902: US Civil Government in the Philippines
President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed civil government in the Philippines and extended general amnesty to insurgents, marking a turning point in the US colonial administration of the islands.
1946: Philippine Independence
The Republic of the Philippines was officially proclaimed independent from the United States, with Manuel Roxas inaugurated as the nation’s first president.
1960: 50-Star Flag Unfurled
The United States raised its updated flag for the first time, featuring 50 stars to represent Hawaii’s recent admission as the 50th state.
1966: Freedom of Information Act Signed
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Freedom of Information Act into law, expanding public access to federal government records and promoting transparency.
1969: Atlanta Pop Festival Drew Thousands
Roughly 140,000 music fans gathered in Byron, Georgia, for the two-day Atlanta Pop Festival—an early taste of the counterculture movement’s influence, just weeks before Woodstock.
Do you remember any of these events? Or do you have more events (historical or not!) you'd like to share with the community? Post them below and let's reminisce together!
