Happy Birthday, USA!

July 4 celebrates the Continental Congress’ official declaration on Thursday, July 4, 1776, that the 13 American colonies were no longer under the authority of Great Britain’s King George III and were “free and independent states,” creating what would become the United States of America.

The Thirteen Colonies were New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia (the first colony, in 1607), North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

Meeting in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress adopted the Lee Resolution (“The Resolution for Independence”) July 2, asserting independence from Great Britain. The official declaration was made two days later. The resolution was proposed by Richard Henry Lee (1732-94), a Founding Father from Virginia and signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died July 4, 1826, the 50^th anniversary of Independence Day. Not knowing that Jefferson had died a few hours before him, Adams' last words were "Thomas Jefferson survives." Fourth President James Madison died July 4, 1831. 15^th Vice President Hannibal Hamlin died July 4, 1891. The 30^th president, Calvin Coolidge, was born July 4, 1872.

Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees in 1870. It became a paid holiday in 1938.

This year marks the 247^th anniversary of July 4. The U.S. will celebrate its 250^th (semiquincentennial, sestercentennial or quarter millennial) anniversary in 2026.