Whether it was only a coincidence, divine intervention, or a strong will to live until the 50th anniversary of America’s independence, two founding members of our new government died within hours of each other on July 4, 1826. They were Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, two men with a complicated relationship. At first, they were friends, but as their visions for the country changed, they became bitter rivals. Jefferson was apprehensive about a powerful central authority, whereas Adams advocated for a strong central government. But when Dr. Benjamin Rush convinced the two men to write to one another, their friendship was rekindled as they expressed their common bond of losing loved ones, their difficulties with aging, and their reflections on the Revolution in which they both had a hand. John Adams’s last words were, “Thomas Jefferson still survives,” not knowing that Jefferson had died five hours earlier.
Who was the third president to die on Independence Day? James Monroe, who died of tuberculosis at age 73. As the fifth president of the United States, he was the last Founding Father to serve as president. What you may not know about Monroe is he supported establishing colonies outside of the US for free African Americans. Several thousand freed slaves went to the new colony of Liberia in Africa from 1820 to 1840. The capital of that country is named Monrovia in honor of James Monroe.
We should all be grateful to our Founding Fathers for the creation of this great republic . What would they think of us now, so divided with democracy hanging by a thread? Lest we forget: United we stand, divided we fall.
4th of july, founding fathers, freedom, independence day, james monroe, john adams, thomas jefferson
Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome. I found it very interesting and I thought others would to. Happy 4th of July!
What a mess we’re in. My 1957 social studies teacher must be rolling over in his grave. He taught, even then, that the congress and supreme court were so corrupt, we were surely headed to a dictatorship! And, we all laughed. Of course, since then up to now, we have been lucky enough to have presidents who cared. Beware frump.
I agree with you completely. I am very worried about the election, especially if Trump wins. People need to understand that he will implement Project 2025 which will destroy democracy. Shame on the Superme Court for giving him immunity. He is free to do anything he wants with no consequences.
Well done!
Thanks, Bob!