Liberty, justice and sparklers for all.

Tuesdays aren’t so bad when they land on the nation’s most patriotic day. For those of you still in bed, plotting your barbeque, beer and bronzing plan, here’s the historical low-down:

On this day in 1776, the thirteen colonies already settled in America, including S.C., said “see ya” to England, which set them up to eventually form the good ol’ U.S. of A. They decided to declare independence from England on July 2, but writing the Declaration of Independence took a few days to edit + approve (no spell-check). The final version was signed (where we get the phrase put your “John Hancock” on it) + shared with the public on July 4.

For a while (er, 163 years), Independence Day wasn’t celebrated as an official federal holiday. An official bill recognizing the holiday, among others like Christmas, was signed into effect by FDR in 1938.

For all of us far-removed from the colonial days, today is a day to celebrate freedom + Summer in Cola. Luckily, there’s a ton to do – check out our Briefs below and read these Independence Day event roundups from Columbia SC Mom’s Blog, Palmetto Weekend + The State.

Today’s your day, Cola. Watch some fireworks or spark some sparklers (but review some safety tips before you light one up), head to Lake Murray, kayak the Congaree River or grill in the backyard with family + friends. Make it a good one. 🇺🇸

Speaking of America’s leaders… DYK? According to the brains at Historic Columbia, Woodrow Wilson was the only U.S. president to live in S.C. (you may have learned this via our Buzzfeed quiz: How Columbia Are You?) and the only remaining presidential site in S.C. is the Woodrow Wilson Family Home: A Museum or Reconstruction right here in Cola.

Happy Fourth, y’all.

– Chloe

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