The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
Check out a gallery of selected images from presidents over the years as they celebrate Independence Day with commemorative ceremonies, White House picnics, family gatherings, and of course, fireworks.
Over the years, Presidents have celebrated Independence Day with commemorative ceremonies, White House picnics, family gatherings, and of course, fireworks. Some Presidents preferred to relax away from the White House – Lyndon B. Johnson traditionally spent the holiday at his ranch in Stonewall, Texas. Others have traced the history of the holiday with visits to Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford marked the nation’s bicentennial with a series of celebrations across the country. Among the many unique events was the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage, where covered wagons converged in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania after crossing the nation on historic trails. President Ford, who was raised in Michigan, boarded the Michigan wagon at the encampment in Valley Forge State Park. You can see a photo of this event and more in our Independence Day gallery from the holdings of the U.S. National Archives and the Presidential Libraries. For more information visit: http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/
Happy Fourth of July!
