250th Anniversary of US Independence tea towel

The U.S. Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, marked the formal separation of the thirteen American colonies from British rule and laid the foundation for the United States of America. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the document outlined the colonies’ grievances against King George III and asserted their right to self-govern. It proclaimed that all men are created equal, with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration became a foundational text for American democracy and inspired freedom movements worldwide. Its adoption signaled the birth of a new nation, the United States of America, committed to the principles of liberty and self-determination.

The 250th Anniversary, also known as the Semiquincentennial, will be celebrated on July 4, 2026. This historic milestone marks two and a half centuries since the Declaration of Independence was signed and offers a moment for national reflection and celebration, inviting us all to consider both the ideals the country was founded upon and the ongoing work required to uphold them in the modern era.

The image included in this design is based on The Spirit of '76 (also known as Yankee Doodle) painted by Archibald Willard in 1875, a century after these epic events. Merging into it are the opening lines of the Declaration.