The Birth of a Tradition: How Fourth of July Became an Official Holiday

The Road to Official Recognition: The journey to establish the Fourth of July as an official holiday was not a straightforward one. It began with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the American colonies declared their freedom from British rule. However, it took several decades for the day to be recognized and celebrated nationwide. 1. Local Celebrations: In the early years following the Revolutionary War, the Fourth of July was primarily celebrated at a local level. Communities organized parades, public readings of the Declaration of Independence, and festive gatherings to commemorate the anniversary of the nation's birth. These grassroots celebrations played a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and patriotism among the American people. 2. State Recognitions: As time went on, individual states began to officially recognize the Fourth of July as a holiday. The first state to do so was Massachusetts in 1781, followed by Virginia in 1788. Other states gradually joined in, embracing the significance of the date and honoring the principles of freedom and independence. 3. Congressional Action: The push for national recognition of the Fourth of July gained momentum in the 19th century. In 1870, Congress passed a bill declaring July 4th a federal holiday for employees in Washington, D.C. However, this only applied to federal workers and did not extend to the entire country.

4. The Declaration Becomes Official: Finally, on June 28, 1870, Congress passed the Holiday Act, which officially designated the Fourth of July as a federal holiday throughout the United States. This act recognized the historical significance of the date and established it as a day of national celebration.