This Independence Day, Celebrate Our Founding Fathers Chris Caggiano June 26, 2024 Family Travel, general, Travel Guide There are so many great ways to celebrate Independence Day. Outdoor concerts. Fireworks displays. Backyard cookouts. But the Fourth of July is about more than hotdogs and firecrackers. Why not take this year’s holiday as a chance to discover what the celebration is all about? More than 200 years ago, a group of representatives from each of the thirteen original colonies decided that they had had enough harsh treatment and neglect from King George III of England, their supposed leader. So after much spirited debate, the Continental Congress, as they were collectively known, decided to sever ties with England and establish the United States as a free and sovereign nation. The document they prepared and signed we know today as the Declaration of Independence. If you’re interested in traveling to trace the footsteps of these brave and influential men, here’s a selection of locations where you can explore how they lived and why they decided that independence was worth fighting for. Massachusetts Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, Massachusetts John Adams was the primary agitator for independence in the Continental Congress. And “agitator” is the key word here, as by all accounts Adams was forceful, blunt, and hard-headed. But without Adams, this country might never have been founded in the first place. The homestead of the Adams family (not to be confused with The Addams Family…), is in Quincy, Massachusetts, where you can visit not just the house where Adams lives with his wife and children, but also the tiny home where he was born. Another Massachusetts resident who was central to the fight for independence was John Hancock, who served as the President of the Continental Congress, thus presiding over the Independence debate. Hancock was born in Braintree, Mass., but at the time of the independence declaration he lived in a house on Beacon Hill in Boston. The house is no longer there, but it sat on the site of what is now the Massachusetts State House. But you can visit Faneuil Hall, where Hancock made an impassioned speech condemning the Boston Massacre, which took place a short walk away. While you’re in Boston, you can also walk the Freedom Trail, a path of about two and a half miles that connects many of the historic Revolutionary War sites in Boston, including the Boston Tea Party ship and the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy. Pennsylvania Independence Hall, Philadelphia Philadelphia is another city steeped in the history of the American Revolution. One of its most influential denizens was Benjamin Franklin. Although Franklin never became a U.S. president, he was nonetheless indispensable in persuading his fellow members of the Continental Congress to vote for independence. Franklin’s home on Market Street was sadly torn down 22 years after his death in 1790, but his residence is commemorated by a complex of historical sites in Philadelphia called Franklin Court, which includes a steel frame representing the house itself and a newly constructed Ben Franklin Museum. While you’re in Philadelphia, you can also visit Independence Hall, where the spirited debate over independence and the signing of the Declaration took place. A few yards from Independence Hall you’ll find the famed Liberty Bell, which was last rung in 1846, but retired from service when it developed its famous crack while ringing in a celebration of George Washington’s birthday. Virginia Mount Vernon, Virginia Virginia was home to three of the most influential men in the American fight for independence, including George Washington. Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army, and led a ragtag group of tired, hungry soldiers to victory against an army five times its size. Washington’s home in Mount Vernon, Virginia is lovingly preserved, and stands as a testament to the greatness and importance that Washington achieved in his lifetime. Also making his home in Virginia Virginia was Thomas Jefferson, the man who actually wrote the Declaration of independence itself. Jefferson was a many of many accomplishments, one of which lay in designing his fabled home, in Charlottesville, Virginia, known as Monticello. Slightly less known today is Richard Henry Lee from Stratford, Virginia. Lee served on the Virginia delegation to the Continental Congress. And it was Lee who secured from his state legislature the proposal to declare independence from England. From a political standpoint, it was important that the proposal come from a Southern state for the rest of the Southern Congressional delegation to take the proposal seriously. Maryland Charles Carroll House, Annapolis, Maryland Maryland was home to two influential signers of the Declaration of Independence. One of them, Samuel Chase, was known for his fervent support of independence and played a significant role in the Continental Congress. Visitors can explore his legacy at the Chase-Lloyd House in Annapolis, Maryland. This historic site is open for tours, allowing a step back in time to learn about Chase’s contributions to the founding of the United States. Another key figure from Maryland was Charles Carroll, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration. Carroll was instrumental in advocating for independence and religious freedom. His home, the Charles Carroll House, also located in Annapolis, serves as a dedicated museum. The site offers guided tours that delve into Carroll’s life, his role in the Revolution, and his lasting impact on American history. The house, situated on the picturesque waterfront, provides a rich historical experience for visitors. Delaware Read House and Gardens, New Castle, Delaware by Voxinferior licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Delaware’s contributions to the Declaration of Independence are represented by Caesar Rodney, Thomas McKean, and George Read. Rodney is celebrated for his famous midnight ride to Philadelphia, which ensured Delaware’s vote for independence. The Delaware History Museum in Wilmington features exhibits dedicated to Rodney and other Delaware signers, offering a comprehensive view of the state’s role in the Revolution and the lives of its prominent figures. Thomas McKean, an outspoken advocate for independence, has his legacy preserved at the Delaware Historical Society. Located in Wilmington, this institution provides extensive exhibits on McKean’s life and his significant contributions to the founding of the nation. George Read, a signer of both the Declaration and the Constitution, is honored at the Read House and Gardens in New Castle, Delaware. This dedicated museum explores the Read family’s history and their impact on American independence. Visitors can tour the beautifully maintained mansion and gardens, gaining insights into the era and the influential people who shaped it. You May Also Enjoy: 7 Amazing Fourth of July Getaways That’ll Make Your Long Weekend Awesome! Georgia Meadow Garden, Augusta, Georgia by Bubba73 licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 Georgia’s signers of the Declaration include Lyman Hall and George Walton. Hall was a passionate supporter of independence and played a key role in Georgia’s revolutionary activities. The Midway Museum in Midway, Georgia, is dedicated to the colonial history of the area, including Hall’s significant contributions. This museum provides an in-depth look at the region’s history and Hall’s impact, with exhibits that bring the revolutionary era to life. One of the youngest signers, George Walton, is commemorated at Meadow Garden in Augusta, Georgia. This historic home, now a dedicated museum, offers guided tours that highlight Walton’s life and his role in the American Revolution. The site includes period furnishings and artifacts, providing a vivid picture of Walton’s world. FAQs: Q: What are the best times to visit these historical sites? A: The best times to visit are during the spring and fall when the weather is mild. Many sites offer special events and reenactments during Independence Day celebrations in July, providing a unique experience. Q: Are these sites accessible to people with disabilities? A: Many historical sites have made efforts to be accessible to visitors with disabilities. However, due to the age and nature of some buildings, access may be limited. It’s advisable to check each site’s accessibility options before visiting. Q: Can I take guided tours at these historical locations? A: Yes, most of these sites offer guided tours. Some tours need to be booked in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Check the individual site’s website for details and booking information. Q: Are there any entrance fees for these historical sites? A: Many of these sites charge an entrance fee, which often includes access to guided tours and exhibits. Prices vary, so it’s best to check the specific site’s website for the most up-to-date information. Q: What should I bring when visiting these historical sites? A: Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and a hat or sunscreen for outdoor locations. It’s also useful to have a camera for capturing memories and a notepad if you enjoy taking notes. Q: Are there dining options available at these historical sites? A: Some sites have on-site cafes or nearby dining options. It’s a good idea to check ahead or bring your own snacks and water, especially if you plan to spend a full day exploring. Q: Can I bring my pet to these historical sites? A: Policies on pets vary by site. Generally, service animals are allowed, but pets are often not permitted within buildings or on tours. Check each site’s pet policy before planning your visit. Do you have a favorite site commemorating U.S. history? Let us know in the comments below.
