The Centennial Fourth of July, 1876
by Kimberly Keagan
July 1, 2025
July 1, 2025
In the summer of 1876, Americans across the nation gathered not only to celebrate Independence Day, but to mark 100 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was the first time most citizens had ever witnessed a centennial of anything, and the country pulled out all the stops. From small frontier towns to major cities, July 4, 1876 was a spectacle of patriotism, prayer, oration, fireworks, and feasting—a holiday like no other.
A Century of Independence
The Fourth of July had always been special, but the centennial made it sacred. With the Civil War barely a decade behind them, Americans longed for unity and national pride. As a result, the 1876 holiday became both a tribute to the founders and a celebration of survival.
President Ulysses S. Grant called it a “day of reflection and gratitude,” and Congress declared it a national day of Jubilee. In every corner of the country, that call was answered with cannon fire, patriotic parades, and red-white-and-blue bunting hung from every porch.
President Ulysses S. Grant called it a “day of reflection and gratitude,” and Congress declared it a national day of Jubilee. In every corner of the country, that call was answered with cannon fire, patriotic parades, and red-white-and-blue bunting hung from every porch.
Big City Celebrations
New York City celebrated with enormous crowds in Central Park, where choirs sang patriotic hymns and a massive firework display ended the night. Ships in the harbor fired salutes, while churches held special centennial services.
Chicago hosted a grand parade featuring veterans from the Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Local businesses closed for the day. Storefronts and lampposts were draped with flags, and children sang My Country, 'Tis of Thee in public schoolyards.
In Boston, festivities included cannon salutes from Bunker Hill, historical reenactments, and a commemorative reading of the Declaration of Independence. More than 100,000 people gathered on the Boston Common.
Chicago hosted a grand parade featuring veterans from the Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Local businesses closed for the day. Storefronts and lampposts were draped with flags, and children sang My Country, 'Tis of Thee in public schoolyards.
In Boston, festivities included cannon salutes from Bunker Hill, historical reenactments, and a commemorative reading of the Declaration of Independence. More than 100,000 people gathered on the Boston Common.
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Crowd watching fireworks in Union Square, NY and Parade in Madison Square, NY (courtesy of the Library of Congress)
In Philadelphia, they began celebrating in May with Centennial Exposition was America’s first official World’s Fair held in Fairmount Park. Over 10 million people attended, at a time when the U.S. population was only around 45 million. (Pictured below, courtesy of the Library of Congress)
The Centennial Exposition on the Fourth of July, 1876, Philadelphia (courtesy of the LOC)
Small Towns, Big Hearts
In small towns across the West and South, the celebrations were no less heartfelt. In Prescott, Arizona Territory, townsfolk gathered for a parade, a reading of the Declaration on the courthouse steps, and horse races in the afternoon.
In Appomattox County, Virginia, where only a few years earlier Lee had surrendered to Grant, the Fourth of July was observed with speeches about reconciliation and new beginnings. Former Union and Confederate soldiers reportedly stood side by side for the first time at public events.
Churches held picnics, women organized cake walks and quilting bees, and little boys competed in sack races while the town brass band played “Yankee Doodle” on repeat.
In Appomattox County, Virginia, where only a few years earlier Lee had surrendered to Grant, the Fourth of July was observed with speeches about reconciliation and new beginnings. Former Union and Confederate soldiers reportedly stood side by side for the first time at public events.
Churches held picnics, women organized cake walks and quilting bees, and little boys competed in sack races while the town brass band played “Yankee Doodle” on repeat.
John Pamperin cigar manufacturer 4th of July parade float in front of the John Pamperin factory, La Crosse, Wisconsin, 1876 (photo courtesy of the La Crosse Public Library)
Orations and Remembrance
Public readings of the Declaration of Independence were central to the day. Local officials, teachers, judges—even children—stood before crowds and recited the words of Jefferson, each syllable ringing with renewed importance.
Many speakers added their own commentary, connecting the founding principles to the challenges of the present day: Reconstruction, immigration, industrialization, and women's rights. In some communities, suffragettes and abolitionists gave stirring addresses on the unfinished work of freedom.
Public readings of the Declaration of Independence were central to the day. Local officials, teachers, judges—even children—stood before crowds and recited the words of Jefferson, each syllable ringing with renewed importance.
Many speakers added their own commentary, connecting the founding principles to the challenges of the present day: Reconstruction, immigration, industrialization, and women's rights. In some communities, suffragettes and abolitionists gave stirring addresses on the unfinished work of freedom.
Fireworks, Feasting, and Folklore
From New England to the Pacific Coast, fireworks lit the skies. Boys ran through streets with firecrackers and torpedoes. Families gathered for fried chicken, cornbread, lemonade, and pie.
In Galveston, Texas, citizens released 100 white doves at sunrise—one for each year of independence. In St. Louis, the night ended with a massive bonfire and square dancing in the streets. In Salt Lake City, Mormon choirs performed patriotic concerts alongside brass bands.
From New England to the Pacific Coast, fireworks lit the skies. Boys ran through streets with firecrackers and torpedoes. Families gathered for fried chicken, cornbread, lemonade, and pie.
In Galveston, Texas, citizens released 100 white doves at sunrise—one for each year of independence. In St. Louis, the night ended with a massive bonfire and square dancing in the streets. In Salt Lake City, Mormon choirs performed patriotic concerts alongside brass bands.
A Legacy That Lingers
The Centennial Fourth wasn’t just a party—it was a turning point. Americans realized their history was worth preserving, their stories worth retelling. Local historical societies and centennial committees sprang up nationwide. Newspapers printed entire editions filled with patriotic poetry, colonial anecdotes, and vintage recipes.
For many, July 4, 1876 was a reminder that America was still becoming, still healing, and still full of hope.
For many, July 4, 1876 was a reminder that America was still becoming, still healing, and still full of hope.