July 4th 2026 marks 250 years of American independence!

In June 1776, representatives of the 13 American colonies engaged in the revolutionary struggle, weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd of that year, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. Two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. The signers risked all they owned and their lives for this act of high treason against the British crown.

“With a single sheet of parchment and 56 signatures, America began the greatest political journey in human history.” — President Donald J. Trump

The key events leading to the independence movement

The Boston Massacre (1770), the Boston Tea Party (1773) and the Intolerable Acts (1774) fueled colonial resistance against Great Britian’s rule. The Revolutionary War began with the Battles of Lexington and Concord (April 1775), famously heralded by Paul Revere’s midnight ride, and included pivotal engagements such as the Battle of Bunker Hill (1775), Trenton (1776), and Saratoga (1777), which secured French support for the American cause for independence.

In addition to Jefferson, founding fathers George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams played pivotall roles in diplomacy, military leadership, and the creation of foundational documents for the new Democratic Republic. Click here to read 13 stories about others who played key roles in paving the ways for many to seek life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

“The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending against all hazards.” – Samuel Adams

“It is when a people forget God, that tyrants forge their chains.” – Patrick Henry

“We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” – Benjamin Franklin

Extra Mile Powerwashing for your exterior cleaning needs in the Eastern Panhandle

Click here to contact Extra Mile Powerwashing’s staff online. They can also be reached by calling 301.904.0500 or emailing dustin@extramilepw.com.

Their experts are always ready to bring their professional equipment and technique to clean your roof, siding, gutters, concrete surfaces and deck or patio. They also do graffiti removal. Their techs are also trained in commercial and industrial power washing. The Extra Mile techs use the softwash pressure washing technique, because the combination of the correct water pressure and enviromentally-friendly cleaning agents add up to the best exterior cleaning.

NOTE: Extra Mile recommends Complete Power Wash for professional cleaning services in Western Maryland, including the greater Hagerstown, MD area.