On July 2, 1776 the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, voted in favor of a resolution to "dissolve the connection" with Great Britain. The document known as the American Declaration of Independence was finalized over the next two days, and officially published on July 4, 1776. Couriers carried copies of the Declaration throughout the former thirteen English colonies over the following days and weeks.
The days in early July of 1776 did not mark the beginning of the conflict that we Americans have come to call the Revolution, and they were far from a successful conclusion of the war for independence. Instead, those days officially changed the goal, from a rebellion seeking status equal to that enjoyed by Englishmen in Great Britain to one that sought separation and independence from the British Crown.
Celebrations were common as the news spread throughout the populace. In Williamsburg, Virginia--according to information learned while visiting Colonial Williamsburg--a somewhat bitter-tasting hot chocolate drink was both trendy and popular. (You'll never convince me that was the only beverage of choice on that or any other day.)
According to David McCullough's remarkable book 1776, the Continental Army, encamped in New York, received the news on July 6. Celebrations began immediately. According to an on-the-spot commissioned participant named Isaac Bangs, he was among a number of officers who "went to a public house to testify our joy at the happy news" where they "spent the afternoon merrily."
In the spirit of '76, let's all have a merry July 4th (and/or July 5th and/or July 6th, as appropriate) celebration!
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