The Founders’ Real Work Began on the 5th of July

On July 2^nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted on a declaration from the thirteen united colonies of British North America informing George III that the now United States were newly free and independent. The statement was unanimous, yet not all of the thirteen colonies voted for independence. Political separation from the British Empire was still controversial enough in New York for that colony’s representatives to abstain from voting until they got more explicit instructions from their own colonial assembly. So New York respectfully abstained.

Two days later, the Continental Congress publicly promulgated their address. July 4^th became “Independence Day.” Or did it?