• close-up front and back of "Happy July 2‚Äù T-shirt with John Adams and his quote on the back from the history list store
  • Crewneck "Happy July 2" T-shirt with John Adams and his quote on the back gift from the history list store
  • Made in USA "Happy July 2" T-shirt with John Adams and his quote on the back from the history list store
  • John Adams and his quote on the back t-shirt 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

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

$ 34.95
$ 34.95
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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 - 3XL. See size chart.

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

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.

Learn more about shipping here.

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.

Made by America

Nearly everything we offer is designed by us and made in America.

Our original designs are based on our nation’s history and our love of American history. Read more about other things we've created, including The History List, History Camp, and The Pursuit of History, in addition to The History List Store.

All original designs are copyrighted by The History List.

Every product that is made in America states that in the product description and includes the "Made in U.S.A." graphic. There are a relatively small number of items where we’ve not been able to find a manufacturing partner here in the States, but we continue to look.  

Our nation’s history—Our original designs

View full details

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Customer Reviews

Based on 15 reviews
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92.9
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Matthew P.
AMAZING!!! :)

The History List shirts are truly amazing! They are comfortable and I feel so confident in wearing them, while sharing my passion for history.

E
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!

D
Deborah s.
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.

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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.

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