In pictures: A 100 years of 4th of July celebrations
The first officially celebrated Independence Day in 1777 was marked in a way that would be very familiar to most modern Americans. There was an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts were made and 13-gun salutes fired. There were speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews and fireworks. Ships were decked with red, white and blue bunting.
A year earlier, founding father John Adams had written to his wife Abigail that the second day of July 1776 would be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. He believed it would be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. He wrote that it ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. He stated it should be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.
His prediction was off by two days. Americans celebrated independence on the 4th of July, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on 2nd of July when the resolution of independence was approved by Congress. Despite its declaration, the country still had six long years of war to fight before it truly gained independence from England. When that time finally came the celebrations became an entrenched part of American life. This photographic showcase captures Independence Day from 1890 to 1990.
The early twentieth century
Mid-century traditions
Modern era celebrations
Look like marching bike and flag have been pretty standard for last century. Wish they’d bring girls back like one in top middle pic. She’s way cute :)
Looks a little like white people have been the only people in America to go outside on the 4th of July. But hey, that’s the way this place was designed to be. Why else would there be so many people fighting to return to the vibe of the time periods pictured above.
Now you mention it can see what you mean, which is sorta ironic when you consider it’s a bunch of Anglos celebrating the fact they rebelled against the original Anglos