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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for July 4, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
These observances run for a full week; this calendar day falls inside the week.
These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.
Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for July.
Events that occurred on July 4 throughout history
The U.S. Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress, severing ties for the 13 colonies from the British rule. However, New York did not sign the document until July 19 because delegation had not received approval on July 4.
The first Independence Day is celebrated in Philadelphia. The celebration included ships firing 13-cannon salutes for the 13 colonies, parades, and fireworks.
The U.S. Military Academy West Point opens in New York.
The U.S. government announces the Louisiana Purchase to citizens, informing them the country purchased 828,000 square miles of land from France for $15 million. The purchase guaranteed free navigation to expand the country westward.
The U.S. Flag Act of 1818 goes into effect, creating a 13 stripe flag with a star for each of the 13 colonies. The Act also stated a star would be added for each state as they joined the Union.
Former Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both die on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was 83 years old and Adams was 90 years old. Both were Founding Fathers and signed the original document.
Slavery is abolished in the State of New York. Roughly 4,600 slaves, both men and women, were freed.
Samuel Francis Smith writes "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" for the Boston, Massachusetts July 4 festivities. The hymn was considered the U.S. National Anthem until the Star Spangled Banner was written in 1931.
The first edition of Walt Whitman's book of poems, Leaves of Grass, is published in Brooklyn.
Lewis Carroll tells his niece Alice Liddell a story entitled Alice's Adventures Under Ground. The title was later changed to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland for publishing.
The Tuskegee Institute opens in Alabama as the first "normal" school to train Black teachers in the rural south.
The first organized organized rodeo competition is held in Prescott, Arizona. The competition was the first to have rules, prizes, and categories for cowboys. Juan Leivas won the inaugural all-around professional title.
President Woodrow Wilson addresses American Civil War veterans at the Great Reunion of 1913. President Wilson told the veterans, "We have found one another again as brothers and comrades in arms, enemies no longer, generous friends rather, our battles long past, the quarrel forgotten—except that we shall not forget the splendid valor."
Baseball legend Lou Gehrig announces his retirement after being diagnoses with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He tells a crowd at Yankee Stadium that he considers himself "The luckiest man on the face of the earth".
The American funded Radio Free Europe first broadcasts in Munich, West Germany, kicking off the Cold War effort. The Radio program was primarily funded by the U.S. government through the CIA, but also everyday American people. Program recordings were made in New York, then flown overseas.
President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Freedom of Information Act into United States law. The Act required federal agencies to make government records and documents available to the public and the press, legally establishing the public's right to access federal information. The Act didn't go into effect until the following year.
Casey Kasem's American Top 40 debuts on seven radio stations in the U.S. During the show, Kasem played musical trivia and delivered human-interest stories. Each show ended with Kasem signing off with "Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars."
NASA's Pathfinder space probe lands on the surface of Mars with the first ever robotic rover.
The cornerstone of the Freedom Tower is laid on the World Trade Center site in New York City. The 20-ton slab placement was made of of Adirondack granite and had the inscription: "To honor and remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and as a tribute to the enduring spirit of freedom, July Fourth 2004."
The Statue of Liberty's crown reopens to the public after eight years of closure due to security concerns following the September 11 attacks.
People born on July 4
Electrical engineer and the inventor of the portable digital camera.
Conservationist who organized U.S. National Park Service.
Songwriter and composer known as the "Father of American Music". He was known for writing his parlor and folk music, Oh! Susanna and My Old Kentucky Home.
Considered the founder of Modern Sociology and a major contributor to the study of criminology.
Journalist and radio host who created the newspaper column Dear Abby. The column was the widely syndicated newspaper column in the world, syndicated in 1,400 newspapers with 110 million readers.
Critically acclaimed writer who wrote several novels and short stories, including The Scarlet Letter.
Circus ringmaster and co-founder of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Founder of the Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd. distillery in Windsor, Ontario, Canada Canadian Club whisky.
American actress known for her roles in pre-code films. She was later cast as Rose James Cameron's epic film Titanic, a role that renewed her fame late later in life.
Advise columnist who went by the pen name Ann Landers.
The 30th President of the U.S. serving from 1923 to 1929. Prior to that, he served as the 29th Vice President serving from 1921 to 1923, under President Warren G. Harding.
