Episode Details

In July of 1777, gunshots rang out over Philadelphia. At first glance, this may not be surprising, as America was still in the throes of the Revolutionary War. But it was not the redcoats who were firing that night. It was Americans, celebrating the very first anniversary of their independence. The edition fo the Philadelphia Evening Post, published on July 15 1777 described the celebration thus:  

Yesterday the 4th of July, being the anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, was celebrated in this city with demonstrations of joy and festivity. About noon all the armed ships and gallies 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 one o’clock, the yards being properly manned, they began the celebration of the day by a discharge of thirteen cannon from each of the ships, and one from each of the thirteen gallies, in honor of the Thirteen United States … 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 Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated. 

Next month, our nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Independence. While our struggles have changed, our civic and spiritual heritage has not. I invited Brenda Hafera, the Assistant Director for the Simon Center for American Studies, to share some thoughts about Independence Day and what we are doing this Fourth of July to keep the American dream alive. 

Email us with thoughts, questions, or suggestions: HeritageExplains@heritage.org 

Heritage Guide to Historic Sites: https://historicsites.heritage.org/ 

American Founders: https://www.heritage.org/american-founders 

More by Brenda Hafera: https://www.heritage.org/staff/brenda-hafera