July 4, 1776

  On July the 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence

was approved by the Continental Congress.

Thereafter, the 13 colonies embarked on the road

to freedom as a sovereign nation. This most 

American of holidays is traditionally celebrated

with parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country. 

4th of July History & Trivia - Did You Know

The major objection to being ruled by Britain was

 taxation without representation. The colonists had

no say in the decisions of English Parliament.

In May, 1776, after nearly a year of trying to resolve

 their differences with England, the colonies sent delegates

to the Second Continental Congress. Finally, in June, admitting

that their efforts were hopeless; a committee was formed to

compose the formal Declaration of Independence. 

Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee also included John Adams,

Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman.

On June 28, 1776, Thomas Jefferson presented the first draft of the

declaration to Congress.  Betsy Ross, according to legend,

sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee. Independence Day was first celebrated in

Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.