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    close-up front and back of "Happy July 2” T-shirt with John Adams and his quote on the back from the history list store 
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    Made in USA "Happy July 2” T-shirt with John Adams and his quote on the back from the history list store 
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The History List

"Happy July 2” T-shirt with John Adams and his quote on the back

$ 31.95
$ 31.95
Sale Sold out
Color
Size

Introducing our original design shirt! "Happy July 2" is emblazoned on the front, with John Adams' famous pronouncement on the back: 

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.”

— John Adams, Philadelphia, July 3, 1776

This shirt is perfect for celebrating America's birthday in style! It's made of high-quality materials, and is sure to be comfortable and long-wearing. Get yours today!

The shirt:
  • Heather grey - Made in the USA shirt. 90% cotton / 10% poly. Cotton grown, and shirts knitted, dyed, and sewn in the USA. 4.4 oz. S - 3XL. See size chart.
  • Light blue heather - Our standard 4.3 oz. poly-cotton shirt that gets rave reviews. Our softest shirt. It's also our thinnest and lightest. It is very high-quality and long-wearing, but it is thin and light. Lots of people love them, which you can see in the reviews, but if you judge t-shirt quality based on weight or thickness, do not get this one. Sizes S - 3X. See size chart.

Note that the $3 price difference for the 100% cotton Made in the USA shirt is our higher wholesale cost; there is no additional margin.

You may also find this design in a women's v-neck shirt, women's tank top, and a sticker.

 

Historical background behind the Design

John Adams, writing to his wife from Philadelphia on July 3: 

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. — I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."

(Spelling from the original. "Epocha" is an archaic form of "epoch.")


Why July 2? The Continental Congress declared freedom from Britain on July 2. They approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4.

As explained by The Constitution Center:

After voting on independence on July 2, the Continental Congress then needed to draft a document explaining the move to the public. It had been proposed in draft form by the Committee of Five (John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson) and it took two days for the Congress to agree on the edits.

Once the Congress approved the actual Declaration of Independence document on July 4, it ordered that it be sent to a printer named John Dunlap. About 200 copies of the “Dunlap Broadside” version of the document were printed, with John Hancock’s name printed at the bottom. Today, 26 copies remain.

That is why the Declaration has the words, “IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776,” at its top, because that is the day the approved version was signed in Philadelphia.

On July 8, 1776, Colonel John Nixon of Philadelphia read a printed Declaration of Independence to the public for the first time on what is now called Independence Square."

 

Shipping

For shipments to addresses within the U.S. (scroll down for International shipping) 

Flat-rate shipping: Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, and button packs is $5.95.

For hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets, the shipping cost is $8.95. 

Our flat rate shipping means you can add two or more t-shirts, sweatshirts, or caps for no additional shipping charge.

Note that some large or heavy items, including larger framed prints, may have a different shipping charge or a shipping surcharge. When they do, it will be noted on the product page.

 

Timing

We try to ship orders within three business days of receiving them. This applies to in-stock items. Framed items or items requiring personalization may take up to two weeks longer. If there is an extended delay, it will be noted on the product page.

We close for a week over Independence Day and Christmas. A notice will appear at the top of every page of the site in advance of this closure.

We ship most orders via USPS, so if the post office is closed, we won't be shipping orders that day.

If you need to receive your order by a certain date, such as to give as a gift or have for a trip, we recommend ordering at least two weeks in advance, especially if you are using USPS shipping. 

If you're looking for reliable, on-time deliveries, we strongly suggest upgrading to "UPS 3 Business Day Select Shipping."

Additional notes:

  • When fulfillment takes longer, such as around the Christmas holidays, we'll put up an announcement in the site and will list recommended shipping deadlines below.
  • If an item is out of stock, we will contact you.
  • If one of your items is an advance order, that will be noted on the product page along with an estimate of when it will ship. If that estimated date changes, the product page will be updated.

    Charges for shipping to destinations in the United States and to APO, DPO, and FPO addresses

    • Free shipping
      • On stickers, magnets, decals, patches, static clings, and individual button pins.

    • US Postal Service shipping - The least expensive, though also less reliable than UPS. (See more on UPS in the next section.) 
      • $5.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.

        Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price is still fixed at $5.95. Our flat rate shipping means you can add another t-shirt, cap, or book for no additional shipping charge.

      • $8.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.

    We strongly recommend using UPS, especially in November and December.

      UPS 3 Business Day Select 

      Note: UPS 3 Business Day select is not available for addresses in Hawaii and Alaska. If UPS is selected for Hawaii or Alaska, the order will be shipped UPS Ground.

      Cut off time: Orders received by 3 pm Eastern will ship the same business day.  Applies to in-stock items that do not require personalization or signing.
        UPS's normal (non-holiday) delivery guarantee is by the end of the third business day, and this includes delivery on Saturday.  This applies to the 48 contiguous states. 
          • $14.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.

          • $18.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
          • If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.

        • UPS Overnight (Next Business Day Delivery)
        Before placing your order, call 469-233-7712.

        For shipments to addresses outside the United States

        Destinations

        We only ship to locations that are served by US Postal Service International Service.

        Charges

        • Canada and Mexico

          • $18.00 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.
          • $24.00 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
        • Rest of the World

          • Rates starts at $65.00.

        Additional charges for all destinations

        Some large, heavy items may have an additional shipping charge.  If that's the case, it will be noted on the product page.

        If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.

          All original designs are copyrighted by The History List

          All designs are copyrighted by The History List and the History Nerd text and design on t-shirts is a registered trademark. If you see a knock off, please let me know.

          Mission

          Your purchases support our mission to engage people with local history and to support historic sites and history organizations across the country.

            ["1776","Declaration of Independence","Fourth","gift","hardcore","History buff","History lover","History student","History teacher","John Adams","July 2nd","NBIS","Revolutionary War","USA shirt"]

          Customer Reviews

          Based on 14 reviews
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          92.9
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          Eddie B.
          July 2 is our Favorite Day of the Year!

          My wife and I were married on July 2, 1983. We've longed hoped that this momentous day in our nation's history would gain more attention. When we saw the July 2 t-shirt it was destined to be ours. It looks and feels great. We greatly appreciate that it is made in the USA. The inclusion of John Adams' quote on the back it even more special. We will certainly order more apparel from The HIstory List!

          I
          I L.B.T.c.I.a.o.t.s.t.b.b.
          Bought for my 6th of July nephew

          Awe love history and when Eric was young, he thought the fireworks were for him. He will love the July 2nd shirt! Let the independence begin!

          M
          Matthew J.
          A great shirt!

          Not only a great shirt, but I also received information for new history events and books!! As an Adams fan, I did enjoy the “fun fact” July 2nd quote anyway!

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          Harvey J.
          Wearing History on My Shirtsleeve

          The “Happy July 2” T-shirt was a perfect way to not only celebrated our
          nation’s story, but it is also my birthday. The shirt is beautifully constructed and was shipped quickly.

          M
          Meg G.
          Super Shirt!

          We always set off a few fireworks on the 2nd for John Adams, and we talk about it every year, so to get a shirt--well, wow! Now folks will--we hope--ask questions & we can spread the news. Huzzah!

          J
          Jessica W.
          Gift for my guy

          I am very much looking forward to giving this to my boyfriend, as his birthday is July 2nd and we joke about the significance of that date. He's going to get a big kick out of this shirt!

          S
          Steve K.
          Great shirt

          We love the color of the flag.The date is so appropriate as it a Birthday of our Grandson. I much appreciate that it is made in the USA.

          J
          Joseph M.
          Great shirt that shows my love of history

          My shirt is high quality & a perfect fit that shows my love of history.

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