The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.51
On View
Not on viewThe 1826 medal: The Nation Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
Although John Adams had called for celebrations the day following the Declaration of Independence, to be held each year thereafter, the anniversary was not widely celebrated until after the War of 1812 when the nation once again asserted its freedom. By 1826, the country was becoming conscious of its heritage - the visit of Lafayette in 1824, and the congizance that the survivors of the Revolution were rapidly dwindling, spurred the American people to savor the personal links of its beginnings while its founders still lived.
During June the newspapers throughout the country were full of plans and announcements for the 50th anniversary festivities, although they followed the pattern set by previous celebrations: Business was suspended and the day was filled with salutes, parades by military companies, speeches and luncheons.
The national capital planned a celebration on a larger scale. All of the living ex-Presidents and signers of the Declaration of Independence were invited but none were able to attend. Their replies, however, were printed in the Washington papers on the Fourth and widely acclaimed, particularly after it was learned that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two of those invited, had died on the anniversary.
Included in Jefferson's message was the sentiment that "I should, indeed, with peculiar delight, have met and exchanged there congratulations, personally, with the small band, the remnant of that host of worthies who joined with us on that day, in the bold and doubtful election we were to make, for our country, between submission and the sword; and to have enjoyed with them the consolatory fact that our fellow citizens, after half a century of experience and prosperity, continue to approve the choice we made."
