Everything Everywhere Daily · Saturday, July 4, 2026
The first Fourth of July in 1776 was not widely celebrated as the Declaration of Independence needed to be printed and distributed. While the holiday was commemorated in 1777, it was a somber occasion due to the ongoing Revolutionary War, with celebrations including bell ringing and a 13-gun salute instead of large-scale festivities.
“The first Fourth of July in 1776 wasn't celebrated at all.”
“Full-on celebrations of the Fourth of July would have to wait until 1777, when the holiday was commemorated as a day of remembrance.”
“The Philadelphia Evening Post reported on the day's proceedings, which included a ringing of the city's bells and a 13-gun salute at a time of powder shortage.”