The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is a United States national holiday celebrated every year on July 4th. It marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, when the thirteen American colonies declared their freedom from British rule.
Why Is It Important?
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, written mostly by Thomas Jefferson.
The Declaration stated that the colonies wanted to become a free and independent nation, no longer under the rule of King George III of England.
This day is considered the birthday of the United States of America.
How Do People Celebrate?
Today, the Fourth of July is celebrated across the country with:
Fireworks shows
Parades
Backyard barbecues
Picnics
Patriotic music and concerts
Red, white, and blue decorations
How Did Pioneer Families Celebrate?
During the 1800s, pioneer families like the Ingalls in the Little House books celebrated the Fourth of July with:
Picnics and cold lemonade
Family gatherings and simple meals
Patriotic songs and speeches
Raising the American flag
Community events like races or town gatherings
They didn’t have fireworks or big parades, but they still honored the holiday with pride and tradition.
Did You Know?
The song “The Star-Spangled Banner” didn’t become the U.S. national anthem until 1931.
Fireworks were first used to celebrate the Fourth of July in 1777, just one year after independence was declared.
John Adams, the second U.S. president, believed July 2nd (the date Congress actually voted for independence) should be the real Independence Day!
Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about Fourth of July celebrations in Little Town on the Prairie, where the townspeople gathered for a patriotic picnic.
Reflection Question:
How would you celebrate the Fourth of July if you lived in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s time?
Draw a picture or write a few sentences!
Use with our Little House Pioneer Picnic Activity
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