July 8 in American History

July 8, 1776 — the Declaration gets its first public reading

Four days after its adoption, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to a crowd in the Pennsylvania State House yard in Philadelphia. Bells rang across the city — by legend, including the Liberty Bell. For the first time, ordinary Americans heard the words announcing that they were now citizens of an independent nation.

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Common Questions

What happened on July 8 in American history?

In 1776: the Declaration gets its first public reading. Four days after its adoption, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to a crowd in the Pennsylvania State House yard in Philadelphia.

Why is July 8 significant?

Four days after its adoption, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to a crowd in the Pennsylvania State House yard in Philadelphia. Bells rang across the city — by legend, including the Liberty Bell. For the first time, ordinary Americans heard the words announcing that they were now citizens of an independent nation.

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