Last Updated on July 8, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
I’ve always been intrigued by interesting historical connections, particularly regarding important people.
One thing that grabbed my attention was the possibility of the U.S. President passing away on July 4th, the day America celebrates its independence.
So, with curiosity and determination to find the truth, I set out to find the answer to this fascinating question.
Let’s explore the pages of American history together to find out how many presidents have died on July 4th.
How Many Presidents Have Passed Away On July Fourth?
Three U.S. presidents passed away on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, in the United States.
First, Thomas Jefferson [1], the revered author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States, breathed his last on July 4th, 1826.
Coincidentally, it was the 50th anniversary of the document he helped craft.
Second, John Adams, the second President of the United States and Jefferson’s compatriot in the fight for independence, also passed away on that same historic day, mere hours before Jefferson’s demise.
The year was 1826, and the nation mourned the loss of these iconic figures. And lastly, James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.
He is one of the Founding Fathers of America, and James departed this world on July 4th, 1831.
Monroe, known for his pivotal role in expanding the nation’s territory, left a lasting legacy that coincided with this memorable date.
Which President Didn’t Want To Celebrate July 4?
John Adams [2], the second President of the United States, refused invitations to Fourth of July celebrations, believing that Independence should be celebrated on the 2nd of July instead.
That was the day when the Continental Congress voted for independence.
“We’re blessed with the opportunity to stand for something, for liberty and fairness. And these are things worth fighting for, worth devoting our lives to.”
– Ronald Reagan, 40th U.S. President
He was a key figure in drafting the Declaration of Independence and felt that the proper date needed to be addressed.
So, his refusal was not to celebrate the day itself but to disagree with the day chosen for the celebration. But how many people attended former President Trump’s 4th of July?
The Fourth of July: What Did Thomas Jefferson Do?
Thomas Jefferson played a crucial role in the actions leading up to the celebration of the Fourth of July as he was the main author of the Declaration of Independence.
It was accepted by the Continental Congress in July 1776 and announced the freedom of the thirteen colonies from British control.
Jefferson’s use of language had a major impact on making the Declaration memorable and symbolized American liberty.
In addition, a remarkable example of history repeating itself happened when Jefferson passed away on the same date, July 4th, 1826, precisely fifty years after the Declaration of Independence was issued.
“July 4th, a day when the nation’s founders declared their freedom, has also witnessed the departure of presidents who contributed to the American story.”
– Howkapow Gift Site
Thus, Jefferson will forever be associated with the Fourth of July, as the writer of the Declaration and as a recognizable individual who died on this important day.
Who Was The Sole President To Be Born On July 4?
Calvin Coolidge was the only President of the United States to be born on the Fourth of July.
Born in 1872 in Plymouth, Vermont, he served from 1923 to 1929 and is remembered for his calm and reserved demeanor.
During his time as President, Coolidge was instrumental in leading the country through a period of economic success while limiting government involvement in the market.
His birthday making the Fourth of July an even more important day gives us an interesting history lesson to commemorate American independence.
Also Read: How Do Mexicans Celebrate Their Independence Day?
FAQs
Which President passed away the soonest?
The U.S. President who died the soonest after taking office was William Henry Harrison, who served as the 9th President in 1841. He died of pneumonia just 32 days into his term.
Who were the four U.S. Presidents assassinated?
Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy were the four U.S. Presidents assassinated.
All four assassinations occurred between 1865 and 1963 and had major political implications for the United States.
Which President was the only one who never married?
The only President in U.S. history who never married was James Buchanan. He was the 15th president of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861.
You might also like to read about the number of hotdogs eaten during the 4th of July here.
Who was the first U.S. president of African-American descent?
The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, made history in 2008 as the first person of African heritage to hold the office.
He was the first African-American elected to the White House in over two hundred years of U.S. presidential elections.
How many presidents have been ousted through impeachment?
Three United States presidents have been impeached by Congress, including Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump.
While Johnson and Clinton were not removed from office, Donald Trump became the first president to be impeached twice and the only President to be acquitted twice.
Bottom Line
As I wrap up my exploration of how many presidents died on July 4th, we’ve come across a truly surprising coincidence.
Three important leaders—Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe—died on this special date.
As someone who loves discovering interesting facts, I’m amazed by this remarkable coincidence.
While we may never fully understand why this happened, it reminds us of the deep meaning of July 4th in American history.
It sparks our curiosity and encourages us to think about the mysterious ways life unfolds.
References:
- https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/593103/25-things-you-might-not-know-about-thomas-jefferson
- https://www.thoughtco.com/top-things-to-know-about-john-adams
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