The Fourth of July Encyclopedia

<p> This is the first comprehensive reference work on America's Independence Day. Bringing attention to persons places and events of historical significance the book focuses on the Fourth of July as it has been commemorated over the span of more than two centuries starting with the first celebrations: public readings of the Declaration of Independence that occurred within days of its signing.</p><p> Biographical sketches feature presidents (and how each celebrated the Fourth) and other politicians famous soldiers educators engineers scientists athletes musicians and literary figures. Other topics include parks monuments and statues dedicated on the Fourth; famous speeches and the personalities behind their stories; and general subjects of interest including education abolition temperance African Americans Native Americans wars transportation and holiday catastrophes.</p>