Celebrating the 4th of July

Fourth of July is Independence Day

USA.gov

The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is a federal holiday that celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of the Independence on July 4th, 1776.

Here on USA.gov, we celebrate by providing you with information on firework safety, laws and celebrations; facts about the history of this great holiday and a variety of holiday tips to make your 4th of July a fun day for the entire family.

• Declaration of Independence
• Fun Facts About July 4
• Today in History – July 4



History.com

• U.S. Flag History and Facts
• Help Your Country
• Patriotic Melodies
• Historical Documents
• American Recipes
• Travel and Recreation in the U.S.

Fireworks

• Firework Safety, Recalls, and Regulations
• Firework Laws by State
• National Mall Celebration
• Find Celebrations at National Parks

The History Channel - History.com -  Fourth of July History Video

Thomas Jefferson's Rough Draft
of the Declaration of Independence
(Library of Congress)

Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues

A Capitol Fourth: America's Independence Day Celebration PBS.org

On July 8, 1776, the first public readings of the Declaration were held in Philadelphia's Independence Square to the ringing of bells and band music. One year later, on July 4, 1777, Philadelphia marked Independence Day by adjourning Congress and celebrating with bonfires, bells and fireworks.