July 4 is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. On this day, there are 180 days remaining until the end of the year. Individuals born on this day full under the Zodiac sign of Cancer.http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/july/4/
For Americans, the Fourth of July stands for the celebration of the birth of a nation. Independence Day is a federal holiday commemorating the independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. The traditional celebration calls for fireworks, parades, barbecues, and outdoor activities. The Declaration of Independence had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. After a few revisions and much debate, the declaration was finally approved on July 4.http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=2&res=9D03E2DE133BE03ABC4953DFB166838C609EDE,
Aside the separation from Great Britain, July 4 is marked in history for other notable events. In 1636, the city of Providence, Rhode Island was formed. In 1802, The United States Military Academy opened in West Point, New York. Also, in 1803, the Louisiana Purchase is revealed to the American public. Today also marked a monumental act that changed the way Americans received and delivered information.
This page details some of the other notable happenings, events, and stories from May 11 past, present, and even future.
AP Today in History
This video, entitled Today in History, illustrates the different events that occurred on July 4. The video starts with a description of Independence Day, which was on July 4, 1776. The video then goes on to discuss the deaths of former Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams on the same day on July 4, 1826.
The 2000s
- 2004: The cornerstone of the Freedom Tower was laid at the World Trade Center site.
The 1940s
- 1946: The Philippines became independent.
The 1700s
- 1776: The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.
Holidays and Observances
Famous Birthdays
- 1978: Becki Newton - Ugly Betty
- 1930: George Steinbrenner - New York Yankees
- 1883: Rube Goldberg - Engineer
- 1872: Calvin Coolidge - 39th American President
Famous Deaths
- 2009: Steve McNair - Tennessee Titans
- 2003: Barry White - Musician
- 1995: Eva Gabor - The Princess Academy
- 1916: Alan Seeger - Poet
- 1826: John Adams - 2nd American President
- 1826: Thomas Jefferson - 3rd American President
- 1831: James Monroe - 5th American President
Movie Box Office Hits
Music Chart Toppers
References
Fast Facts
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