Happy July 2-- Part 5: The War of 1812 Cinched It

The next year, on July 2, 1777, not a single member of Congress remembered the anniversary of the independence resolution until a day too late.  Celebrations were then scheduled for a day later, on July 4, 1777.  "They were really setting a haphazard, unintentional precedent," says Caitlin Fitz.

While various  preachers and individual towns hosted Fourth of July celebrations throughout the remainder of the 18th century, the holiday became more widespread after the United States stood its ground against the British in the War of 1812.

"The declaration's practical purposes were served," Fitz said.  "The United States' independence had been declared and secured by 1815."

Parts 6 and 7 are in today's Saw the Elephant:  Civil War blog.

--Old B-R'er