John Adams thought July 2, the day the Continental Congress voted to declare its independence from Great Britain, would be the holiday celebrated by Americans for years to come. But July 4, when Thomas Jefferson’s stirring declaration was actually signed by the members in Philadelphia, quickly came to be known as Independence Day. Jefferson thought his self-designed writing desk would be proudly carried in future Independence Day parades. Today it sits in the Smithsonian – still a reminder of the power of words and bold ideas, like “all men are created equal.”

Enjoy your July 4th holiday weekend!