History Today

Today in History — July 4

1776

04 July 1776: Declaration of Independence Adopted

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, a document that would fundamentally alter the course of human history. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson with contributions from Benjamin Franklin…

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1863

03 July 1863: Picketts Charge at Gettysburg

On July 3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg reached its dramatic climax with Picketts Charge, a desperate Confederate assault that would become one of the most legendary and tragic episodes of the American Civil War.…

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1964

02 July 1964: President Johnson Signs the Civil Rights Act

On July 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law, marking one of the most significant legislative achievements in American history. The bill, which had been championed by President John…

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