07/04/2026
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The founding fathers could not have predicted the fame and legacy that would accompany their signatures on the document. While famous paintings depict a small group of men gathered during the signing, the reality was much more complex.
From 1774 until his election as Governor in 1777, Thomas Johnson served as one of Maryland’s delegates to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. He was a chief architect of the Continental Association, which organized the boycotts of British goods, and he served on numerous committees focused on securing aid and supplies for the army. He also nominated his friend, George Washington, to serve as commander in chief of the Continental Army.
Maryland’s delegates traveled frequently between Maryland and Philadelphia throughout the duration of Congress. Johnson returned to Annapolis in early May 1776 after several months in Philadelphia. During May and June, he served in the Maryland Convention as the question of Independence was intensely debated. Finally, on June 28, Maryland voted to declare Independence from Great Britain. Four of Maryland’s delegates—Samuel Chase, Charles Carroll, Thomas Stone, and William Paca—traveled to Philadelphia in August to sign the Declaration of Independence.
As for Thomas Johnson, he did not return to Philadelphia until September. His focus had shifted to his July 4 appointment as Brigadier General of the Maryland Militia in the new Flying Camp, which was established to support Washington and the Continental Congress.
Wishing you a Happy Fourth of July from Rose Hill Manor.
