1831day.year
Samuel Francis Smith writes "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" for the Boston, Massachusetts July 4 festivities.
Samuel Francis Smith composes “My Country, ’Tis of Thee,” a patriotic hymn that becomes a beloved American anthem.
On July 4, 1831, Samuel Francis Smith wrote what would become one of America’s most enduring patriotic songs.
Inspired by the Fourth of July celebrations in Boston, he penned lyrics set to the melody of “God Save the King.”
“My Country, ’Tis of Thee” quickly resonated with citizens yearning for a distinct American anthem.
The song’s influential role in national identity led it to be sung at public gatherings for decades.
Its simple yet powerful verses encapsulate the spirit of independence and pride.
Today, it remains a staple in ceremonies and a testament to American musical heritage.
1831
Samuel Francis Smith
My Country, 'Tis of Thee
1845day.year
Henry David Thoreau moves into a small cabin on Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. Thoreau's account of his two years there, Walden, will become a touchstone of the environmental movement.
Henry David Thoreau begins his two-year experiment at Walden Pond, inspiring his classic work 'Walden' and modern environmental thought.
On July 4, 1845, Henry David Thoreau retreated to a simple cabin on Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts.
He sought to live deliberately, immersing himself in nature and practicing self-reliance.
Thoreau kept detailed journals of his observations, exploring the relationship between society and the natural world.
His experiences formed the foundation of his influential book 'Walden,' published in 1854.
'Walden' became a cornerstone of transcendentalism and a catalyst for environmental awareness.
Thoreau’s experiment continues to inspire discussions on sustainability, simplicity, and individual reflection.
1845
Henry David Thoreau
Walden Pond
Walden
1855day.year
The first edition of Walt Whitman's book of poems, Leaves of Grass, is published in Brooklyn.
In 1855, Walt Whitman publishes the first edition of Leaves of Grass in Brooklyn, revolutionizing American poetry with its free verse style.
On July 4, 1855, Walt Whitman self-publishes the inaugural edition of Leaves of Grass in Brooklyn. The collection breaks from traditional meter and celebrates the American spirit and individual freedom. Whitman financed much of the publication himself and distributed copies personally. Critics were divided, but the work gradually gained recognition for its bold approach to poetic form. Leaves of Grass would go on to influence generations of writers and solidify Whitman's legacy in literary history.
1855
Walt Whitman
Leaves of Grass
Brooklyn
1862day.year
Lewis Carroll tells Alice Liddell a story that would grow into Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequels.
In 1862, Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) spins a fantastical tale for Alice Liddell that later becomes Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
On July 4, 1862, mathematician and writer Charles Dodgson entertained Alice Liddell and her sisters with an imaginative story during a boat trip on the Thames. This spontaneous narrative introduced whimsical characters and surreal adventures that would form the foundation of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Over the following years, Dodgson refined his tale and published it under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll in 1865. The book's playful language, inventive logic, and memorable imagery captivated readers of all ages. It remains a beloved classic and has inspired countless adaptations across literature, film, and art.
1862
Lewis Carroll
Alice Liddell
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland