Independence Is Declared, a New Nation Emerges, and War Continues (July in History)
July 1776 transformed the American Revolution. Congress formally declared independence, the Declaration was read publicly across the colonies, and communities such as Princeton celebrated the birth of a new nation. Yet independence did not end the conflict. British forces gathered around New York, American leaders debated how the new country would be governed, and military operations continued from Virginia to the northern frontier.
July 1: New Jersey Supports Independence
Following the arrival of Rev. John Witherspoon and Richard Stockton, New Jersey votes in favor of independence for the first time.
July 2: Congress Votes for Independence
Congress votes 12–0 for independence, with New York abstaining. New Jersey’s change of position helps inspire Pennsylvania and South Carolina to support independence for the first time.
July 3: Adams Envisions a National Celebration
John Adams writes to Abigail Adams that July 2 will be remembered as “the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty.” He predicts that it will be celebrated with “Pomp and Parade, with shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations.”
July 4: Independence Is Declared
Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence. The document is printed and publicly read in Philadelphia.
July 5: The Declaration Enters the Record
A copy of the Declaration, signed by Congress President John Hancock and witnessed by Secretary Charles Thomson, is entered into the official congressional record.
July 6: Congress Investigates the Canadian Campaign
Congress appoints New Jersey’s Abraham Clark, New York’s William Floyd, and Delaware’s Caesar Rodney to a committee investigating the failures of the American invasion of Canada.
July 7: Silas Deane Arrives in France
Congressman Silas Deane arrives in Paris to seek French military and financial assistance for the newly independent nation.
July 8: The Declaration Is Read Publicly
The Declaration of Independence is read aloud in Trenton, Easton, and once again in Philadelphia.
July 9: Princeton Celebrates Independence
Princeton celebrates the Declaration by illuminating Nassau Hall, firing three volleys of musketry, and gathering townspeople for cheers in the building’s front yard.
July 10: Washington’s Army Hears the Declaration
Washington reports to Congress that the Declaration has been read aloud to the Continental Army in New York and warmly received by the soldiers.
July 11: The British Fleet Gathers
Writing to Gen. Philip Schuyler, commander of the Northern Army at Fort Ticonderoga, Washington reports that the British have arrived in New York Harbor with “100 and 30 sail.”
July 12: British Warships Test the Hudson
The British warships HMS Rose and HMS Phoenix sail up the Hudson River to test American defenses. They pass with little difficulty, presenting a troubling sign for Washington.
July 13: The Howes Approach Washington
Gen. William Howe and Admiral Richard Howe make an initial peace overture to Washington. Washington refuses to accept a letter addressed simply to “George Washington, Esq.,” because it fails to recognize his military rank, and forwards it to Congress.
July 14: British Ships Advance Up the Hudson
Two additional British warships sail as far as the Tappan Zee without serious resistance, demonstrating the Continental Army’s inability to challenge the Royal Navy in New York’s waterways.
July 15: New York Supports Independence
The New York delegation finally joins the other colonies in formally supporting independence.
July 16: Dunmore Is Repulsed
Virginia’s royal governor, Lord Dunmore, attempts to seize a fort but is driven back by American militia.
July 17: Congress Supports Washington
Congress approves Washington’s decision to refuse the Howe brothers’ improperly addressed letter.
July 18: The State of New Jersey
New Jersey officially changes its name from the Province of New Jersey to the State of New Jersey.
July 19: The Declaration Is Engrossed
Congress orders that the Declaration be formally copied onto parchment in a large, carefully written hand. The engrossing work is assigned to Timothy Matlack.
July 20: Franklin Rejects Reconciliation
Benjamin Franklin responds to the Howe brothers’ attempt to seek an “accommodation,” declaring that British actions “have extinguished every spark of remaining affection for that parent country we once held so dear.”
July 21: British Commanders Abandon the Charleston Campaign
Gen. Henry Clinton and Admiral Peter Parker abandon hopes of capturing Charleston, South Carolina, and sail toward New York.
July 22: Washington Receives Prisoner-Exchange Authority
Congress grants Washington and other departmental commanders in chief the authority to negotiate prisoner exchanges.
July 23: Dunmore Raids the Potomac
Lord Dunmore sails up the Potomac River, destroying Patriot plantations and a gristmill before retreating when the Prince William County militia arrives.
July 24: Boston Women Seize Hoarded Coffee
Approximately 100 women gather outside Thomas Boylston’s Boston warehouse and demand access. They seize coffee that Boylston has allegedly been hoarding in an attempt to raise its price.
July 25: Congress Debates the Articles of Confederation
Congress debates the Articles of Confederation, the proposed first constitution for the new nation.
July 26: Questions of Power and Land
Debate over the Articles of Confederation continues as delegates confront disagreements over political power and western land claims.
July 27: Samuel Adams Reflects on Independence
Writing to a friend, Samuel Adams acknowledges that Congress had not been prepared to separate from Great Britain until July.
July 28: The Declaration Reaches Fort Ticonderoga
Gen. Arthur St. Clair orders the entire Fort Ticonderoga garrison to assemble for a reading of the Declaration of Independence. The soldiers respond with three cheers.
July 29: North Carolina Moves Against Tribal Settlements
North Carolina forces enter Indigenous settlements in the western part of the state in an effort to prevent an alliance between local tribes and the British.
July 30: Congress Reviews the Canadian Failure
Congress concludes that the failure of the Canadian invasion resulted largely from the smallpox outbreak and inadequate funding.
July 31: American Forces Occupy Fort Stanwix
The Continental Army occupies Fort Stanwix in central New York, near present-day Utica, without opposition from local Indigenous nations.
Reflections from the Battlefield
July 1776 brought both celebration and uncertainty. The colonies declared themselves free and independent states, and communities throughout the new nation marked the occasion with public readings, military salutes, illuminations, and cheers. Princeton played a visible role as Nassau Hall became a center of celebration and New Jersey’s delegates helped secure the vote for independence. At the same time, the British military threat continued to grow around New York, while Congress confronted the difficult work of governing a new country. Independence had been declared, but securing it would require years of sacrifice, debate, and war.