Before his presidency, he was a leader in the American Revolution that led to Great Britain’s independence, and he served as the country’s first vice president. Adams kept a diary and communicated with many key individuals in early American history, including his wife and adviser, Abigail Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
“The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.”
Images may be saved and presented for years even if they are caught in a split second. From that historic day for all Americans until today, there are a variety of photographs that can convey all of the stories. Now it’s time to view some of them from the past and present.