Since 1941, the Fourth of July—also known as Autonomy Day or July 4th—has been a government event within the United States, but the custom of autonomy day festivities dates back to the 18th century and the American Insurgency. The Mainland Congress voted in favor of autonomy on July 2nd, 1776; two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Statement of Freedom, a remarkable document prepared by Thomas Jefferson. With festivities ranging from firecrackers, parades and concerts to more informal family social events and barbecues, July 4th has been observed as the birth of American autonomy since 1776 to the display day. Friday, July 4, 2025, is the Fourth of July.
History of Independence Day
Few colonists wanted total independence from Great Britain when the first battles of the Revolutionary War started in April 1775; those who did were regarded as radical.
However, by the middle of the following year, many more colonists had come to favour independence as growing hatred against Britain and the dissemination of revolutionary ideas like those expressed in the best-selling pamphlet “Common Sense,” published by Thomas Paine in early 1776.
The Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee put forward a motion asking for the independence of the colonies on June 7 when the Continental Congress assembled at the Pennsylvania State House, which later became Independence Hall.
Amid contentious debate, Congress delayed the vote on Lee’s resolution but created a five-man committee—including John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, and Robert R. Livingston of New York—to prepare an official statement justifying the severance with Great Britain.
The Continental Congress voted almost unanimously on July 2nd in support of Lee’s resolution for independence (the New York delegation abstained, but later voted positively). Writing to his wife Abigail on that day, John Adams said that July 2 “will be commemorated by future generations as the grand anniversary Celebration” including “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations from one end of this Continent to the other.
Experience the joy of Fourth of July 2025 with dazzling fireworks, colorful parades & events happening all over the United States!
“On July 4th, the Continental Congress officially approved the Declaration of Independence mostly written by Jefferson. Although the vote for real independence occurred on July 2nd, from then forward the 4th was commemorated as the birth of American independence.
Fourth of July 2025 Parades in Major US Cities
From fireworks to parades, explore how the USA will celebrate Fourth of July 2025 with top events and patriotic traditions.
Fourth of July 2025 is set to light up the skies across the United Sates with breathtaking fireworks, grand parades, and patriotic celebrations. From New York to los Angeles, cities nationwide are preparing for one of the biggest events of the year. Whether you’re attending a local festival or watching the firework from home, this Independence Day promises excitement for everyone.
Many cities host spectacular firework displays on Fourth of July 2025. You can find a full list of events on Time Out USA or check with the National Park Service for celebrations in national parks
Colonists had observed yearly festivities of the king’s birthday in the pre- Revolutionary era, which usually comprised bell ringing, bonfires, marches, and oratorical events. Some colonists, on the other hand, commemorated the birth of independence in the summer of 1776 by staging mock funerals for King George III to represent the end of the royal grip on America and the victory of liberty.
Usually accompanying the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, starting right after its adoption were festivities including concerts, bonfires, processions and the firing of cannons and muskets. While Congress was yet preoccupied with the continuing war, Philadelphia hosted the first yearly observance of independence on July 4, 1777.
In 1778, double rations of rum were given to all of George Washington’s troops to commemorate the anniversary of independence; in 1781, several months prior to the main American victory at the Battle of Yorktown, Massachusetts became the first state to formally recognize July 4th.
Americans continued to observe Independence Day every year following the Revolutionary War in events that let emerging political leaders of the new country speak to the people and forge a feeling of unity. The two main political parties—the Federalist Party and Democratic-Republicans—that had developed started hosting individual Fourth of July celebrations in numerous major cities by the final decade of the 18th century.