Archival Images Of The Fourth Of July In America

The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is the celebration of when the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence on July 2, 1776. Two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies came together and adopted the Declaration of Independence. The Fourth of July has been a federal holiday since 1941 and is associated with fireworks, barbeques, parades, and other July 4 traditions, depending on where you are in the United States.

Flags Fly From Every House

Photo Credits: MPI/Getty Images

Here, neighborhood families gather for a group photo on July 4, 1961, in Chicago Illinois. In the 1960s, demonstrating your patriotism by flying an American flag was something that everyone did, at least more than most people do today.

The Fourth of July in the suburbs of Chicago was about as classic as you would see on TV with kids riding their bikes around the neighborhood, barbequing hot dogs, and spending time with their friends, family, and neighbors.

Fourth of July Fact: only two Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The rest of the signers were on August 2, 1776.