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History Series: Independence Day
History of Independence Day
Was the Declaration of Independence really signed on July 4, 1776?
Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, celebrates the adoption by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, of the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed the severance of the American colonies’ allegiance to Great Britain. It is the most significant secular holiday in the United States, observed in all the states, territories, and dependencies.
Was it really signed on July 4, 1776?
Although it is assumed that the Second Continental Congress unanimously signed the document on the 4th of July, not all delegates were present, and there were no signers at all, contrary to the theatrical musical 1776. Here is what really happened.
Resolution for the Declaration of Independence
The congressional delegate from Virginia, Richard Henry Lee, introduced in the Continental Congress on June 7, 1776, a resolution
“that…body declare the United Colonies free and independent States, absolved from allegiance to or dependence on the Crown or Parliament of Great Britain…”
