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It’s a Birthday Party- Oops wrong day…or is it? Independence Day

By
Home Inspector with NCW Home Inspections, LLC

It’s a Birthday Party- Oops wrong day…or is it? Independence Day

We all love a Birthday, well this is the day…or is it?

                     Fireworks

This has been batted around for a while but many historians think it really should have been July 2 not July 4 that we celebrate our Day of Independence.

From the National Archive little know facts-
“Independence Day Should Have Been July 2” –July 2, 1776 is the day that the Continental Congress actually voted for independence. John Adams, in his writings, even noted that July 2 would be remembered in the annals of American history and would be marked with fireworks and celebrations. The written Declaration of Independence was dated July 4 but wasn't actually signed until August 2. Fifty-six delegates eventually signed the document, although all were not present on that day in August.”

Here are some other little factoids-

Interestingly enough only John Hancock (President of the Continental Congress) and Charles Thomson (Secretary) signed the original working copy of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. And that original document is lost. What we have from July 4, are the printings of John Dunlap.

Another little fun factoid is that in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776 the first ever Independence Day celebration.  From the Tower of Independence hall the Liberty Bell was rung calling all the citizens to congregate to hear Colonel John Nixon give the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Also, Thomas Jefferson on June 24th 1823 declined an invitation to come to Washington, D.C., for the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This happened to be the last letter that Thomas Jefferson ever wrote.

“A discovery is said to be an accident meeting a prepared mind.”

Albert Szent-Gyorgyi


NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…    
  
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Atlanta's Home Inspector, David Lelak IHI Home Inspections
IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581 - Canton, GA
Experience the IHI Difference

Thanks for the history and trivia! Enjoy your Independence celebration (whichever day you choose). :)

Jul 01, 2012 11:42 PM
Donald Hester
NCW Home Inspections, LLC - Wenatchee, WA
NCW Home Inspections, LLC

David and Bonnie, Have a very happy 4th. I just find this stuff fun. 

Jul 02, 2012 12:09 AM
Dale Bledsoe
Crown Key Realty - Tracy, CA
Realtor in Tracy, California

Excellent post. I am so proud to be an American and it hurts so much when those from within or without try to drag our nation down. But like many I was completely unaware of the facts you brought forth (pun intended). Thanks for some real knowledge.

Jul 02, 2012 02:08 AM
Donald Hester
NCW Home Inspections, LLC - Wenatchee, WA
NCW Home Inspections, LLC

Dale, Our young country has a wonderful and great history. These type of facts make it even better. Have an awesome celebration this 4th!

Jul 02, 2012 07:16 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Donald- I love reading interesting facts like this.  When we lived in VA, we were in DC every weekend to take in one museum or another.  Hearing facts like the ones you mentioned added another layer to the story. 

Jul 07, 2012 09:37 AM
Donald Hester
NCW Home Inspections, LLC - Wenatchee, WA
NCW Home Inspections, LLC

Kathy, I am a fan of the untold history. I think it adds so much flavor to the story. I have been to DC a few times but would love to do it again.

Jul 07, 2012 10:15 AM