It was July 4th of 1776 when Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. It’s been quite some time since then but every year we all celebrate the independence of our nation. How did it all begin? Why did it all begin? Well, “taxation without representation” started a rebellion that would last 10 years. Richard Henry Lee stated the famous words that, “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.” Basically, the colonies wanted independence from the taxed imposed by Great Britain. This was the beginning of the drafting of the United States Constitution. July 1st was technically the date that Thomas Jefferson completed the document and 12 of 13 colonies voted. 9 in favor, 2 against (PA & SC), Delaware was undecided and New York abstained. Therefore, the Declaration of Independence was officially voted in on July 2nd 1776. However, the date that Second Continental Congress voted independence from Great Britain was July 4th to finalize it for approval.
You probably knew all that to be honest. But… did you know that the first party celebrating Independence Day was the year after as a spontaneous thing in Philly at the Library of Congress? During this time, people set off fireworks, lit candles in their windows, decorated military vessels on the Delaware River shot off rounds and families-built bonfires to celebrate their freedom from Britain. Oh, and of course booze. Lots of booze. Apparently, some things never change. Here are some quick and fun facts about this momentous holiday.
Thomas Jefferson designed his own portable writing desk to pen the Declaration of Independence.
The two youngest people to sign the Declaration Independence were Thomas Lynch Jr and Edward Turledge at 26 years old.
To read more interesting facts on Military.com. We hope you have a great holiday celebrating with loved ones today! We know we all are here at Locomotive.
