It’s officially summer and the July Fourth holiday weekend is here.

Summer is only weeks old here in the Lowcountry, but the sound of fireworks will soon signal the season has hit its full stride. From sea to shining sea, the country will be celebrating its rich history going back to its humble inception 250 years ago. Below is a brief summary of those days leading to the independence movement, a link to local festivities and some interesting facts about U.S. history.

The history of Independence Day in America

On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, leading to the formation of the United States. The colonies and England had already been at odds for a year when the colonies convened a Continental Congress in the summer of 1776. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a resolution in a June 7th session in the Pennsylvania State House. That resolution included these now-famous words:

“Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”

These words led to the drafting of a statement presenting to the world the colonies’ case for independence. Members of the committee included famous patriots John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. The task of drafting The Declaration of Independence was given to Jefferson.

On July 1, 1776, the Continental Congress reconvened, and on the following day, the resolution for independence was adopted by the colonies. The Declaration was officially adopted and ratified on the afternoon of July 4.

Here is a list of July fourth events in the greater Charleston, SC area.

Interesting facts about America’s independence movement

1. Only John Hancock actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. All the others signed later.
2. The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men from 13 colonies. Each could have been tried for treason had the revolution failed, losing their lives and their family property.
3. The average age of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was 45. The youngest was Thomas Lynch, Jr (27) of South Carolina. The oldest delegate was Benjamin Franklin (70) of Pennsylvania. The lead author, Thomas Jefferson, was 33.
4. The only two signers of the Declaration of Independence who later served as President of the United States were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
5. The stars on the original American flag were in a circle so all the Colonies would appear equal.
6. The first Independence Day celebration took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. This was also the day that the Declaration of Independence was first read in public after people were summoned by the ringing of the Liberty Bell.
7. The White House held its first 4th of July party in 1801.
8. Presidents John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe all died on July 4th. Adams and Jefferson (both signed the Declaration) died on the same day within hours of each other in 1826.
9. In 1776, there were 2.5 million people living in the new nation. Today the population of the U.S.A. is 326 million.
10. Fireworks are part of the tradition of celebrating this national holiday. More than 250 million pounds of fireworks will go up in smoke.
11. Grilling food is also big on Independence Day. Approximately 150 million hot dogs are consumed on this day.
12. Every 4th of July, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped (not actually rung) thirteen times in honor of the original thirteen colonies.

Contact B. Chaney Improvements for your building & home improvement needs

Contact Brad Chaney at the company’s Awendaw, SC office through this website or by calling 843-388-4334 to discuss your building project or home improvement need. The B. Chaney team serves homeowners and businesses throughout the greater Charleston, SC area. That area includes Mt. Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island, Daniel Island and downtown Charleston.

Their skilled team members can help with all your construction needs, such as constructing your custom home or building a major addition onto your existing home. Brad has also managed many major remodels and renovations. The team can also assist with major home improvements — such as replacement windows — home repairs and creating an outdoor living area.