A Brief History
This article presents a chronological list of notable events that happened on July 4th. For each date below, please click on the date to be taken to an article covering that date’s event.
Digging Deeper
On July 4, 1776, The United States Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress.
On July 4, 1881, Tuskegee Institute opened, beginning a glorious history of educating mostly African American students.
On July 4, 1910, heavyweight boxer Jack Johnson, an African-American, knocked out former champion Jim Jeffries, a white man, to become the premier boxer in the world.
On July 4, 1926, Knoebels Amusement Resort opened in Elysburg, Pennsylvania.
On July 4, 1966, The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was enacted, with an effective date one year later, July 4, 1967.
On July 4, 1987, justice came late, but better than never, when Nazi German war criminal, Klaus Barbie, known as the “Butcher of Lyon” was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes.
On July 4th, 2015, Americans celebrated their Independence Day, a holiday that signifies their freedom.
On July 4, 2016, we acknowledged the important role firearms and guns of all types have played in the formation of and preservation of the United States.
On July 4, 2017, most Americans were reminded that today is the National Birthday, the date back in 1776 when the United States was born.
On July 4th, 2022, Americans celebrated their Independence Day, a holiday that signifies their freedom.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Andrews, John and Matt Baker. Timeline of World History. Thunder Bay Press, 2020.
You can also watch video versions of this article on YouTube.