The Declaration of Independence said the colonies were breaking away from Great Britain. It was passed unanimously by the Second Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776. The United States’ rules and government are all based on the Constitution. But the Declaration of Independence, which says “all men are created equal,” is also essential to the American people.
People in Philadelphia threw a party on their own to celebrate the first anniversary of American independence. John Adams told his daughter Abigail about the party in a letter. Independence Day, on the other hand, wasn’t marked until after the War of 1812. Soon, events to start building the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad would happen at the same time as the July 4th celebrations.
In 1859, the Banneker Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, told African Americans to enjoy Independence Day while showing how the ideas in the Declaration of Independence and the practise of slavery were at odds.
By the 1870s, the Fourth of July was the most important event that had nothing to do with religion. Congress passed a law on June 28th, 1870, that made July 4th a government holiday. Even towns on the western border that were a long way from each other were able to get together on July 4th.
Miss Nettie Spencer said that the Fourth of July was the “big event of the year” in an interview for the book American Life Histories: Manuscripts from the Federal Writers’ Project, 1936–1940. That was the only day of the year when everyone in the country got together.
Americans also have barbecues or picnics with their families and friends at home or in a nearby park on the 4th of July. They make hot dogs, sandwiches, and other meats and vegetables on a grill. They eat potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, fruit and many sweets. Since the 4th of July comes during the summer break from school, many Americans take a trip. In the United States, families go to national parks, forests, beaches, and big cities. They go camping, to theme parks, and to important national historic sites. People also go to Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, to celebrate the 4th of July. People in the United States like this holiday because it is a fun way to celebrate the country’s birthday.
