Historical events for the 4th of July. See what famous, interesting and notable events happened throughout history on July 4. Discover 10 surprising facts about US Independence Day on July 4th, from historical events to the traditions celebrated across the nation. Learn why this day is more than just fireworks and barbecues! The most iconic event associated with July 4th is the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the document drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, declaring the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule. The deaths of former U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams on July 4, 1826–the day of the Jubilee–the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, was an extraordinary and eerie coincidence. Jefferson died shortly after noon at the age of 83 in Monticello, Virginia. Discover 80+ engaging 4th of July trivia questions with answers. Perfect for families, educators, and party planners. Create your own patriotic quiz today! On July 4th, 1826 the United States celebrated the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. President John Quincy Adams wrote that it was a day when "every heart was bounding with joy and every voice was turned to gratulation". This article discusses one of the greatest ironies in American history: On July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died, just hours apart. Died July 4, 1826 John Adams was a Founding Father of the United States and the second president, serving from 1797 to 1801. Before he became president, he was a leader during the American Revolution, which helped the thirteen American colonies later achieve independence from Great Britain. Adams was best known for being a great political philosopher and being very blunt when it came to Here's the schedule for the July 4th Independence Day celebrations on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. July 4 Became a Symbol It wasn’t until years later that July 4 became widely celebrated. Congress made it a federal holiday in 1870, nearly a century after the original events. Even more bizarre: both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the Declaration was adopted. His father, President John Adams, along with President Thomas Jefferson, had both passed away on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. 7 Events That Enraged Colonists and Led to the American Browse historical events, famous birthdays and notable deaths from Jul 4, 1826 or search by date, day or keyword. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, the only two signatories of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as U.S. presidents, both died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. Interestingly, two of the nation’s founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the birth of the United States. Fun fact: Independence Day wasn’t recognized as a federal holiday until 1870! Modern-Day Celebrations Fireworks and Festivities Independence Day is nothing short of a spectacle. On this day in 1826, which marked the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died within hours of each other. Adams was 90; The approach of the fiftieth birthday of the United States, in 1826, naturally animated the minds of Americans with thoughts of the nation’s past, the heritage they had received from those who had asserted and won independence, and the dwindling number of Revolutionary leaders who survived. This singular event thrilled the imagination of the American people. President John Quincy Adams, upon hearing the news, replied: “The time, the manner, the coincidence are visible marks of Divine favor.” It is a fact of American history that three Founding Father Presidents—John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe—died on July 4, the Independence Day anniversary. Thomas Jefferson (April 13 [O.S. April 2], 1743 – July 4, 1826) was an American Founding Father and the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. [6] He was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was the nation's first U.S. secretary of state under George Washington and then the nation's second vice president under John Adams. Jefferson was a leading
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