We want to teach you all about the history of Independence Day.
And as a quick aside --- we are here to help you purchase a new tractor, parts and implements when the time is right.
Let’s get to the details.
Introduction
The legal separation of the thirteen colonies from Great Britain in 1776 really occurred on July 2. This happened during the American Revolution and it is a little-known fact and secret.
This is when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence.
It was originally proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. This declared the United States independent from Great Britain's rule.
So what happened on July 4th? Good question.
July 4th, 1776
After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence.
It was a statement explaining this decision. This Declaration was prepared by a Committee of Five --- with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author.
Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration. It was approved two days later --- on July 4, 1776.
John Adam’s Famous Letter
A day earlier, John Adams had written this famous letter to his wife Abigail…
“The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
The Mystery of the 4th of July 1776
Adams' prediction was off by two days. From the outset --- Americans celebrated independence on July 4. This is the date shown on the Declaration of Independence --- rather than on July 2 --- the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.
Historians have long disputed whether members of Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 --- even though Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin all later wrote that they had signed it on that day.
August 2nd, 1776
Most historians have concluded that the Declaration was signed nearly a month after its adoption --- on August 2, 1776 --- and not on July 4 as is commonly believed.
This is interesting when you stop and think about it.
Interesting Facts You May Not Have Heard
By a remarkable coincidence, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams (the only two signatories of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as presidents of the United States), both died on July 4, 1826. This was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.
Although not a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, James Monroe (another Founding Father) who was elected as president, also died on July 4, 1831.
He was the third President who died on the anniversary of independence. The only U.S. president to have been born on Independence Day was Calvin Coolidge, who was born on July 4, 1872.
Hopefully, this brief article has helped you better understand Independence Day and other fun facts and secrets.
If you need any further help or have any questions about tractors, implements, or anything else equipment-related, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944. Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.
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