Celebrating July 4th Traditions in Prince William County

Independence Day was first celebrated as a holiday on July 4, 1777, a year after the founders declared independence from Great Britain.

John Adams, a signatory to the Declaration of Independence, wrote to his wife Abigail that he believed the celebrations would continue well into the future. “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.“

Congress recognized July 4 as a national holiday in 1870.

Today, celebrations continue in much the same way Adams envisioned with parties, cookouts, celebrations and, of course, fireworks.

All Prince William County offices, schools and courts will be closed on Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Prince William Public Libraries will be closed July 2 – 4. The Prince William County Landfill and the Balls Ford Road Compost Facility will also be closed on July 4