Fourth of July

Issues of The Saturday Evening Post in the 1920s and 1930s feature “1776” on the front, marking the year the Declaration of Independence had its final changes made. The Fourth of July has been written in history since 1776, but it wasn’t until 15 to 20 years later that the holiday was actually celebrated.

It would be almost 100 years later — in 1870 — that Congress declared July 4 a national holiday. Americans have continued to celebrate the holiday with red, white, and blue over the years. Later issues of the Post highlight the parades and fireworks that fill this U.S. celebration.

The Fourth of July on the covers of The Saturday Evening Post (click on the covers to see larger image):