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Fourth of July Becomes a Federal Holiday The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees. By the 1870s, the Fourth of July was the most important secular holiday on the calendar. Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870. Congress established the Fourth of July as a holiday, without pay, for federal employees and the District of Columbia in 1870. Senator Hannibal Hamlin (D-ME) introduced a bill entitled “Legal Holidays in the District.” By the 1880's, the Fourth of July had become the most significant patriotic occasion in the United States. Congress declared the day a federal legal holiday in 1941. The holiday is presently celebrated with parades, fireworks, picnics, sporting events, and music, including the "Star-Spangled Banner" and several marches of John Philip Sousa. The 4 th of July wasn’t immediately recognized as a national holiday, but by the 1870s, July 4 th became an important secular holiday that Americans looked forward to each year. On June 28, 1870, Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday. Throughout the decades, the Fourth of July became an important day for all Americans. What are the paid holidays by law? That varies between federal and private sector employers. Here are answers to your questions about time off and holiday pay. The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the The answer is simple: July 4th — a day that changed the course of history and laid the foundation for a new nation. From the signing of the Declaration in 1776 to the present-day celebrations across all 50 states, the Fourth of July remains a powerful reminder of America’s enduring spirit and values. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was further expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees. Over the course of years, the political importance of the holiday would slowly decline, but Independence Day still remained a rather important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism. Memorial Day, also known as the unofficial start of the summer, officially became a federal holiday in 1971 with the passing of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The law moved Memorial Day from May In 1870, Congress passed H.R. 2224, establishing the Fourth of July as an unpaid federal holiday, as part of a bill that acknowledged other holidays like New Year's Day and Christmas. Although the 4th of July has been celebrated each year since 1776, it didn’t become a federal holiday until 1870. And it didn’t become a paid holiday for federal employees until 1941. Independence Day celebrations didn’t become commonplace until after the War of 1812, and July 4 didn’t become a federal holiday until 1870. Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. Is 4th of July a federal paid holiday? Here's all the upcoming federal holidays and 3-day weekends in 2025-2026 and what will be closed on July 4. By the 1870s, the Fourth of July was the most important secular holiday on the calendar. Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870. Despite the initial enthusiasm, the 4th of July did not become an official national holiday immediately. Over the years, the significance of the day grew, and celebrations became more widespread. In 1870, Congress made the 4th of July a federal holiday, and it became a paid holiday for federal employees in 1938. Modern Celebrations July 4th, 1776 ------------------------------ The first law passed by the U.S. Congress recognizing July 4 as a federal holiday was signed into law on June 28, 1870. How did the Fourth of July become a national holiday? For the first 15 or 20 years after the Declaration was written, people didn’t celebrate it much on any date. It was too new and too much else was happening in the young nation. By the 1790s, a time of bitter partisan conflicts, the Declaration had become controversial. In 1870, Congress made the 4th of July a federal holiday, and it became a paid holiday for federal employees in 1938. Today, the 4th of July is a symbol of American patriotism and unity. Communities across the country celebrate with fireworks displays, parades, concerts, and family gatherings.
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