Today:
1776 – The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the independence of the United States from Great Britain.
1802 – The United States Military Academy at West Point officially opens.
1826 – Founding fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both die on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
1827 – Slavery is abolished in New York State.
1831 – The fifth president of the United States, James Monroe, dies.
1845 – Texas Congress votes for annexation to the United States.
1863 – The Army of Northern Virginia withdraws after the Battle of Gettysburg.
1881 – Tuskegee Institute opens in Alabama.
1894 – The Republic of Hawaii is proclaimed.
1939 – Lou Gehrig, diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), gives his famous farewell speech at Yankee Stadium.
30 American Heritage Events: #4
Bill of Rights (1791)
The first ten amendments to the Constitution were ratified, guaranteeing individual liberties.