06/29/2026
Excerpts of article on the first 4th of July celebration by John Dickinson Sherman from the Garnavillo Tribune July 1, 1920 issue, page 7. To read the entire article, visit https://garnavillo.historyarchives.online and search for that issue.
First 4th of July Celebration
"Thousands of anxious citizens had gathered in the streets of Philadelphia where congress was assembled, for it was known that the final vote on the Declaration of Independence would be taken that day. The old bellman of the Liberty Bell in Independence Hall had been in the steeple since the hour of the assembly. He had placed his grandson at the door to give him word when the announcement should be made. Hour after hour passed, suddenly a shout went up "Ring, grandfather, ring!" The old grandaire swung the big iron tongue and the Liberty Bell, clanging 100 times, sent its brazen notes throughout the land proclaiming that the United Colonies were and of right ought to be free and independent and there was a tumult of rejoicing in the city.
This in effect is the first Fourth of July, as many has been taught it. It reads well and there is a thrill in it. But it has one large fault - it isn't true. As a matter of fact there wasn't any real "Fourth of July Celebration" at all in 1776. There couldn't be for the reason that the Declaration of Independence was a continuing operation that lasted pretty much the whole summer of that year. Incidently, its culmination was July 2, instead of July 4. Moreovver, it was not until 1777 that July 4 was fixed upon as "the day we celebrate" And it was in 1777 in Philadelphia that the first Fourth of July celebration was held.
On July 2, 1776, the Richard Henry Lee resolution, originally presented June 7, was passed. It read "Resolved, That these United Colonies are and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved; That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign alliances; That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective colonies for their consideration and opprobation."
How the passing of the resolution was regarded is shown by John Adams' letter to his wife: "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 deliverence by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, bells, bonfires, and illumination from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore."
Following the passage of the resolution, Thomas Jefferson presented the report of the Declaration committee, the document now known as the Declaration of Independence. It was adopted the afternoon of July 4. (Additional signatures were not affixed until later in the year.)
The Philadelphia Fourth of July celebration of 1777 was a public demonstration, planned in advance. The Pennsylvania Gazette issue of July 9, 1777, tells of this first of a long line of independence day celebrations:
"Friday, the fourth instant, being the anniversary of the Independence of America, was celebrated in this city with demonstrations of joy and festivity.
"About noon, all the armed ships and galleys in the river were drawn up before the city, dressed in the gayest manner, with the colors of the United States and streamers displayed. At 1 o'clock the yards being properly manned, they began the celebration of the day by a discharge of thirteen cannon from each of the galleys in honor of the thirteen United States.
"In the afternoon an elegant dinner was prepared for congress, to which were invited the president and supreme executive council and speaker of the assembly of this state, the general officers and colonels of the army and the members of the several continental boards who were in town.
"The Hessian band of music taken in Trenton the twenty-sixth of December last attended and heightened the festivity with some fine performances suited to the joyous occasion, while a corps of British deserters taken into the service of the Continent by the State of Gerogia, being drawn up before the door, filled up the intervals with feux de joie.
"After dinner a number of toasts were drunk, all breathing independence and a genuine love of liberty and commemorating the momories of those brave and worthy patriots who gallantly exposed their lives and fell gloriously in defense of freedom and the righteous cause of their country.
"Each toast was followed by a discharge of artillery and small arms and a suitable piece of music by the Hessian Band. The glorious Fourth of July was reiterated three times, accompanied with triple discharges of cannon and small arms.
"Toward evening several troops of horse and corps of artillery and a brigade of North Carolina forces which was in town on its way to join the grand army were drawn up in Second street and reviewed by congress and the general officers.
"The evening was closed with the ringing of bells and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks, which began and concluded with thirteen rockets on the common, and the city was beautifully illuminated.
"Everything was conducted with the greatest order and decorum and the face of joy and gladness was universal.
"Thus may the Fourth of July, that glorious and ever-memorable day, be celebrated through America by the hosts of freedom from age to age till time shall be no more. Amen and Amen."
