Remembering the Signers of the Declaration of Independence
A historical tribute to the 56 signers, highlighting the courage and faith of the lesser known figures such as Josiah Bartlett, Thomas McKean, Charles Carroll, and others, who endorsed the declaration and risked their futures. It recounts the July 1776 debates, committee actions, and the first public celebration on July 8 at the state house grounds in Philadelphia with readings, bonfires, and cheers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Thomas Jefferson
John Hancock
Richard Henry Lee
John Adams
Benjamin Franklin
Josiah Bartlett
Thomas McKean
Charles Carroll
Robert Morris
George Taylor
Edward Rutledge
John Hart
Francis Lewis
Button Gwinnett
Continental Congress
Congress
Jefferson
Hancock
Lee
Great Britain
Benjamin Harrison
Virginia
Mr. Harrison
Harrison
George Wythe
Elbridge Getty
Oliver Wolcott
Matthew Thornton
Thomas MacKean
House
Dickinson
Charles Thomson
State House
Philadelphia
John Nixon
Samuel Chase
Massachusetts Historical Society
Committee of Safety
Committee of Inspection
Washington
Sir Walter Scott
Our Independence Our Independence reflection on suffrage and patriotism
Margaret E. Sangster argues independence under the flag should include women. She urges patriotism, civic duty, and education to raise future citizens, notes Fourth of July memories, and warns against apathy while praising national unity and the male–female partnership in shaping the republic.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Europe
Scotland
England
France
Hungary
Bohemia
Publc
Out of Sight
A compact remark on surprise impact, noting that quiet methods can outshine obvious displays by delivering effective results. The line hints at discretion and strategy rather than sheer spectacle.
The Glorious Fourth Echoes From a Waxing Independence
Nixon Waterman in Sunday Magazine recalls the Fourth of July past with nostalgia. A boyish thrill gave way to quieter celebrations after a youthful accident that cost a finger, shaping a reflective view on how fireworks and patriotism have changed over time.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Nixon Waterman
Sunday Magazine
Sane Fourth Desired
The piece laments lingering belligerence in Fourth of July celebrations and notes a century of gunpowder use. It recalls painful injuries from blasts and urges continued reform toward a safer, more restrained commemoration.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George
Great Statesman’s Prediction of Independence Day Celebrations
The article recalls John Adams’s forecast that the Fourth of July would be celebrated nationwide with devotion and pomp. It recounts early celebrations with ships firing salutes, bells, bonfires, and lights, contrasted with later years under Tyler and Fillmore, noting changes in public sentiment and notable speeches by Daniel Webster.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
John Adams
God
Congress of the Fourth
Congress
Board of War of
Delaware
Marine Committee
Trenton
Second Street
City
Manauvera
General Howe
Tyler
White House
Capitol Grounds
Mr. Adams
John Quincy Adams
Marine Band
Army
Navy
Daniel Webster
Fillmore
Quieter Fourth Celebrations Replace Old Promiscuous Festivities
A crack company describes how for the Fourth of July Americans increasingly hold quiet celebrations at home. The shift moves away from large public displays to private backyard festivities, offering a less wasteful but differently distributed pattern of patriotism and enjoyment.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Frank Fournier
Margaret E. Sangster
You
Abraham Lincoln
Mother
Napoleon
Independence Hall
Great Statesman
Jo Yare
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!