This town holds the record for the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebrations
The origins of the national holiday date back to July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed. However, the annual observation of the holiday only became a regular occurrence after the War of 1812, when events such as groundbreaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad were scheduled to coincide with Fourth of July festivities, according to the Library of Congress.
By the 1870s, Independence Day had become the most important nonreligious holiday for many Americans, and on June 28, 1870, Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday.
As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, here's what to know about the event's history and which town hold the record for hosting the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebrations.
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Which town holds the record for the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration?
The Town of Bristol in Rhode Island, located about 16 miles south of Providence, holds the record for the oldest Fourth of July celebration in the country, according to the town's website.
When did Fourth of July celebrations begin in Bristol?
The annual celebration in the waterfront community of Bristol began long before the Fourth of July became a federal holiday in June 1870.
According to the town's website, celebrations in Bristol started in 1785 when Revolutionary War veteran Rev. Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church conducted the first of what's known as the patriotic exercises, an event honoring military veterans.
"It is not known exactly when the Parade started but it is thought that it evolved from the procession of community members walking to Patriotic Exercises," the website says, adding "the Parade, the Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade, is believed to have begun in the early 1800's."
How does Bristol celebrate Fourth of July?
Fourth of July celebrations in Bristol kick off on June 14. After the Flag Day ceremony comes a nightly concert series at Independence Park, a Fourth of July ball, the Orange Crate Derby and numerous other events, according to the town's website, before culminating with a 2.5 mile Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade on July 4.
In past years, residents have come as early as 4 a.m. rain or shine to stake out a prime spot along the parade route and have decked out their houses with elaborate displays including a nearly life-size replica of the Iwo Jima Memorial, USA TODAY previously reported.
When are Fourth of July celebrations in Bristol in 2025?
Fourth of July celebrations in Bristol will take place on Thursday, July 3 at 9:30 p.m. with fireworks followed by a parade on Friday, July 4 at 10:30 a.m. Fireworks will be set off over Bristol Harbor, according to USA TODAY reporting, while the parade begins at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street and ends on High Street.
Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY / Catherine Messier, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
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