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

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

Regular price $ 34.95
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Our original design, with "Happy July 2" on the front and, on the back, an image of John Adams with his famous pronouncement, 

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.”
— John Adams, Philadelphia, July 3, 1776

 The shirt: In your choice of fabric, fit, and color.

  • Heather grey - Printed on a 4.3 oz 90% cotton/10% polycotton shirt with comfortable, relaxed fit. This is a new shirt we've added in response to feedback, so if you prefer a women's v-neck shirt that is less fitted, this is the one for you. Sizes: S-3XL. See size chart.

You may also find this design on a crewneck shirt for men and womentank top for women, 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.  

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Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
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B
Betsy W.
Great Tshirt

Love my Happy July 2nd t-shirt!

E
ELIZABETH C.R.
Excellent quality and fit

This is my second purchase from The History List and I have yet to be disappointed! Some of the shirts run a size smaller than usual. I followed the advice on the site and ordered one size up which worked perfect!

K
Kathleen P.
Great stuff for history nerds

As a history nerd who is a museum educator, I’m always looking for fun shirts and accessories. Fast shipping and they included some bonus buttons and bookmarks.

K
Kelly G.
Well made and so soft

I love my Happy July 2 shirt. Fits true to size and is so soft. This is my third or fourth shirt from History List!

A
Audrey T.
Women's V neck

Purchased Happy 2nd in both the cotton and v neck polycotton shirts. The polycotton I sized up one as suggested and cotton ordered normal women's size. Love both shirts.