July 4th, Independence Day

On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted by the Continental Congress. To commemorate our freedom, Americans today celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, parades, baseball games, grilling/picnics and family reunions. For the past few months, US history has been in the forefront of our minds, as we’ve spent a few weeks each in Boston, Washington DC, and Philadelphia. Each has reminded us something about the country’s continuous striving for freedom. This year, we’re excited to be spending the Fourth in Philadelphia. Below is a round-up of our recent wanderings the the northeastern region of the US.

Paul Revere Statue

Boston

Think Paul Revere, John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Boston has always been a city of patriots. Some of the first events toward separating the colonists from the British happened here. This is the place that Paul Revere saddled up for his midnight ride and announced to his neighbors, “The British are coming, the British are coming!” The Old North Church is the famous high point where the lantern was hung, “One if by land, two if be sea.” This was it signal how the the invaders were approaching. Boston, first incorporated as a town in 1630, is full of the country’s early history. It’s also a city of 1sts: first public park (Boston Common, 1634), first US mail route, between Boston and New York, 1672, and the first American lighthouse, 1716. We took advantage of some lovely weather and walked the Freedom Trail, a two and a half mile, brick-lined walk which takes you by sixteen historically significant sites. These include the Boston Common, the site of the Boston Massacre, Faneiul Hall and several historic Burying Grounds. One of our favorite things to see in old cities are graveyards, and Boston’s do not disappoint. One characteristic of the headstones from the early colonial days is a skull with wings at the top of the stone, very artistically creepy. We spent Independence Day in Boston a few years ago, and watched the fireworks from the Arnold Arboretum. Appropriately, a number of songs by the band, Boston played during the celebration!

Old North Church

Washington Monument and The Reflecting Pool

Washington, DC

Founded in 1790, the city was named for our first president. Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed the city after European cities like Paris, with wide boulevards and big, ceremonial spaces. That feeling still exists as you walk the streets of the capital today. It wasn’t until almost a hundred years later that Washington became fully developed as a city of monuments. The Washington Monument was completed and dedicated February 21st, 1885. At the time it became the world’s tallest structure. (It was short-lived. In 1889, the Eiffel Tower took this designation.)  Fun fact, if the statue in the Lincoln Memorial was standing, it is estimated he would be 28 feet tall! (The statue was originally intended to be 10 feet tall ended up being 19 feet.) The monuments, memorials and museums around the national mall are mostly within walking distance of one another, centered around the National Mall. The Mall is a two-mile greenspace that stretches between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial. We spent the afternoon exploring this repository of our country’s history. With over 200 years as the nation’s capital, DC is a perfect place to spend Independence Day. From America’s National Independence Day Parade to the annual musical extravaganza to an amazing firework’s display, DC is is one of the most patriotic places in the country to celebrate.

Lincoln Memorial

Philadelphia City Hall

Philadelphia

Philly is so much more than a cheesesteak or soft pretzel!  One of the original capitals of the United States, Philadelphia was founded in 1682. The iconic Liberty Bell was cracked upon it’s first ring. It sort of makes you wonder, since the bell was cast in London, from which the United States had separated.  From where it is displayed today one can see Independence Hall where it was formerly housed inside the building’s steeple.  Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Second Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776.  Did you know that after President Lincoln’s death his coffin was placed in Independence Hall for a night for viewing?  It is said that 300k plus mourners lined up to view his corpse. A self-guided Constitutional Walk passes by 30 historical sites, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall as well as Betsy Ross House and the National Constitution Center. As the birthplace of American democracy, celebrating Independence Day in Philly is something everyone should experience once. Philadelphia even boasts the title of holding the nations very first July 4th Celebration. In 1777, ships fired 13 cannon shots to honor the 13 states. We’re fortunate to be looking forward to being here for the 4th this year! Party on the Parkway is part of Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America celebration, a week of family-oriented, free activities.

Liberty Bell with Independence Hall