Today in History - July 4

~~~~~ American History Declaration of Independence The Reason for the Holiday ~~~~~ Today is Saturday, July 4, the 185th day of 2009. There are 180 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. On this date: In 1802, the United States Military Academy officially opened at West Point, N.Y. In 1826, 50 years to the day after the Declaration of Independence was adopted, former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died. In 1831, the fifth president of the United States, James Monroe, died in New York City. In 1872, the 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, was born in Plymouth, Vt. In 1919, Jack Dempsey won the world heavyweight boxing title by defeating Jess Willard in Toledo, Ohio. In 1939, baseball's "Iron Horse," Lou Gehrig, said farewell to his fans at New York's Yankee Stadium. In 1959, America's 49-star flag, honoring Alaskan statehood, was officially unfurled. In 1960, America's 50-star flag, honoring Hawaiian statehood, was officially unfurled. More ... Associated Press More Info - 4th of July - Indendence Day Fun 4th of July Facts from CBS News The Real Meaning of the 4th of July The 4th of July - The Arizona Star