American Presidents Who Died On 4th of July

Many people don’t know that several American presidents died on July 4th, the celebration of American Independence from Great Britain. Though most Americans spend the day celebrating with BBQs and fireworks, it pays to know a bit more about the history of this day. Take a look at a few presidents many Americans recognize as founders of this country.

Although many people ask which presidents died on July 4th, some may be under the misunderstanding that these men died on July 4th, 1776, the day that the Declaration of Independence was signed. That’s not the case. However, these two men, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson very much have an interesting story to tell. Both of these men died on July 4th, 1826, 15 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Three Presidents Who Died On The Fourth

John Adams

John Adams was the second president of the United States and served from 1797 through 1801. He also served as the first, vice president of the country from 1789 through 1797. John Adams was perhaps one of the most important Founding Fathers of the country having worked to build sentiment for independence in colonists in the months leading up to the Declaration of Independence, a document signed on July 4th, 1776 that officially created the United States and broke ties with Great Britain.

On the day of his death, Adams, who had been suffering for some time but hoped to hang on long enough to see the 15th anniversary of the independence, is known for saying, “Thomas Jefferson survives.” In this quote, which some said were his last words, he shows his passion for the country in that he notes that Jefferson still remained. What he did not know, though, was that Jefferson had died two hours prior. John Adams died at 6:20 pm, in his home in Quincy. His death certificate says he died of debility due to his age. He was 90.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States and served from 1801 through 1809. He was also the second vice president of the United States having served under John Adams. Jefferson is considered an American Founding Father and known for his push for democracy within the United States. During this time period, presidents were elected by majority vote, with the second person with the most votes being given the vice president position. Jefferson and Adams had very different views, but reconciled their differences long before their deaths. He died at the age of 83, but his health had been declining for several years. Ultimately, his cause of death has never been clearly outlined, but he suffered from diarrhea and painful urination in the weeks prior.

The Last Of The Founding Fathers

James Monroe

It’s also important to point out that James Monroe also died on the fourth day of July. He passed away on July 4, 1831. Monroe was the fifth President of the United States having served from 1817 through 1825. He was the last president considered to be an American Founding Father. He served in the American Revolution, studied law under Thomas Jefferson, and worked hard to build the country. He died from heart failure and tuberculosis.

These three presidents, all Founding Fathers of the country, died on the fourth of July after passionately helping the country to become what it is today.