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City of Boston, MA
07/04/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/04/2026 06:01
On this day in 1776...
On this day in 1776...
The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall in Philadelphia formally severing the 13 colonies' political ties to Great Britain. Prominent Bostonians John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Robert Treat Paine were signers of the Declaration.
Signature of John Hancock, 1777.How have Bostonians celebrated this day over the years? Let's take a look!
For the 100th anniversary in 1876, the City Council ordered the printing of 500 copies of the Declaration of Independence and of Washington's farewell address at a cost not exceeding $500.
Title page of Declaration of Independence commemorative volume, 1876.The annual Fourth of July Oration is a tradition that dates back to 1783. With the end of the Revolutionary War and independence secured, the Boston Selectmen voted to hold a new annual tradition: an oration on the Fourth of July. Dr. John Warren, a distinguished surgeon, founder of Harvard Medical School and brother of Revolutionary War hero Dr. Joseph Warren, delivered the first official oration at the Brattle Street Church. Over the years speakers have included John Quincy Adams, Oliver Wendell Holmes, James H. Wolff, John F. Kennedy, Edith Nourse Rodgers, Judge Jennie Loitman Barron, Elma Lewis, Theodore Landsmark and Thomas Grilk.
Fourth of July Oration at Faneuil Hall, 1961.In the nineteenth century, Fourth of July festivities included many different activities and events:
In 1859, members of the City Government could attend a dinner at Faneuil Hall.
Menu for July 4 dinner, 1859.In 1868, you could witness a balloon ascension and tight rope performance on Boston Common.
City Council Committee on Celebrations ticket, 1868.In 1884, you could take in a hurling match on Boston Common.
City Council Committee on Celebrations ticket, 1884.In 1887, you could get up really early and view a swimming match on the Charles River.
City Council Committee on Celebrations ticket, 1887.And of course, fireworks!
City Council Committee on Celebrations ticket, 1863.How Do you plan on celebrating the 250th anniversary this year?
Check out the schedule for this year's Independence Day Exercises.
Happy Fourth of July!
- Last updated: July 4, 2026
- Published by: Archives and Records Management
City of Boston, MA published this content on July 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 04, 2026 at 12:02 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]