A Bold New Nation: Declaration of Independence Adopted in Philadelphia | Eastern North Carolina Now

Today we celebrate our independence!

ENCNow

Publisher's Note: This post appears here courtesy of the The American Tribune.

The American Tribune

Special Edition: Independence Day
July 4, 2025 | National Desk

 

A Bold New Nation: Declaration of Independence Adopted in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA – July 4, 1776

Two hundred forty-nine years ago today, a group of colonial leaders gathered in Philadelphia to make a decision that would change the world. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, severing political ties between the 13 American colonies and Great Britain.

Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the document declared that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It listed grievances against King George III, including taxation without representation, interference with colonial governments, and the use of military force against American citizens.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” — Declaration of Independence

The Declaration was signed by 56 delegates, including John Hancock, who boldly signed first. The signers knew they were risking their lives; under British law, they could be executed for treason.

Despite the danger, these patriots stood firm, believing that a free and independent America was worth the cost.

 

Why It Matters Today

The Declaration of Independence established the principles that continue to define the American spirit:

- Individual Rights

- Government by the People

- The Right to Revolt Against Tyranny

It also inspired democratic revolutions around the world, from France to Latin America.

Each year on July 4th, Americans honor this bold stand for freedom with parades, fireworks, and readings of the Declaration. But more than celebration, the day is a reminder of the values at the heart of the American experiment: freedom, equality, and the courage to pursue them.

 

Fast Facts

Adopted: July 4, 1776

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Main Author: Thomas Jefferson

First to Sign: John Hancock

Result: Formation of the United States of America


Go Back

HbAD0

Latest Discovering Beaufort County

This effort in exposition begins the noble experiment of many years of understanding this land, deep within the Chocowinity Bay /Pamlico River watershed, its essence in totality, and, ultimately, the planning of that benefit to the collective will of humankind.

HbAD1

Closing Snowden is an intentional act based on poor information and a lack of oversight and accountability by the Superintendent and School Board.
Incompetence and a refusal to require facts will lead to poor decision making regarding Snowden.
Invite those who hold the South dear, to honor those who gave their all to protect those that they loved from the tyranny of invasion and occupation, to participate in a memorial service at the Confederate Monument in Oakdale Cemetery
We cherish too, the Poppy red that grows on fields where valor led, it seems to signal to the skies that blood of heroes never dies.
RALEIGH: Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) Secretary Reid Wilson celebrated Earth Day by visiting Goose Creek State Park in Washington.
Washington, N.C. – The inaugural Rivers East Advanced Manufacturing Academy took place at Pitt Community College on Friday, September 23rd.
Please join us at the park visitor center on Saturday, October 8th from 3-5 pm where we will host a Halloween Wildlife Event.

HbAD2

 
Back to Top