On this day, 4th July, we look back at the Major Historical Events on July 4, that have marked this date through the years.
Major Historical Events on July 4- Today in History
Declaration of Independence Adopted – 1776 AD
On this day in 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, leading to the American colonies’ secession from Great Britain, now celebrated as a U.S. national holiday.
United States Military Academy Inaugurated – 1802 AD
The United States Military Academy opened its doors in West Point, New York, marking a significant development in American military education.
Birth of Nathaniel Hawthorne – 1804 AD
Born in Salem, Massachusetts, Nathaniel Hawthorne, an American writer known for his novel The Scarlet Letter (1850), exhibited profound psychological and moral insight in his works.
Deaths of Jefferson and Adams – 1826 AD
On the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, American Revolution figures and U.S. presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams passed away.
Thoreau’s Retreat to Walden Pond – 1845 AD
Henry David Thoreau moved to Walden Pond, where he penned the reflective essays in Walden; or, Life in the Woods, chronicling his transcendental experiment.
Whitman’s Leaves of Grass Published – 1855 AD
Walt Whitman first published Leaves of Grass, revolutionizing American literature with its unconventional language and celebration of the human body and sexual passion.
Conception of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – 1862 AD
On July 4, 1862, Lewis Carroll, accompanied by Reverend Robinson Duckworth, rowed up the river Isis with the three young daughters of his friend Henry Liddell. During this trip, Carroll conceived the story that would become Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, enchanting the girls with tales that would later be immortalized in his beloved novel.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Published – 1865 AD
Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was published, though the initial print run was recalled for quality issues; a new edition followed in November.
Statue of Liberty Gifted by France – 1884 AD
The Statue of Liberty was presented to the United States by France in Paris, symbolizing freedom and democracy.
Vivekananda Died – 1902 AD
Born on January 12, 1863, and died on July 4, 1902, near Kolkata, Vivekananda was a Hindu spiritual leader who sought to merge Indian spirituality with Western material progress.
Jack Johnson’s Historic Boxing Victory – 1910 AD
In the “Fight of the Century,” African American boxer Jack Johnson defeated James Jackson Jeffries, leading to nationwide celebrations and violent backlash, causing over 20 deaths.
Lou Gehrig’s Farewell Speech – 1939 AD
On his appreciation day, baseball player Lou Gehrig, forced to retire due to ALS, delivered his iconic speech, calling himself “the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”
Independence of the Philippines – 1946 AD
The Republic of the Philippines was declared an independent nation, with Manuel Roxas serving as its first president.
The Clash’s First Performance – 1976 AD
British punk rock band the Clash performed publicly for the first time, opening for the Sex Pistols in a Sheffield, England pub.
Discovery of Higgs Boson Signal – 2012 AD
Scientists at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider announced detecting a signal likely from the Higgs boson, marking a significant breakthrough in particle physics.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on July 3- Today in History
