It seems the year offers many travel anniversary opportunities: Dollywood celebrated 40 years, Flannery O’Connor would have been 100 if she was alive and still writing and the Vicksburg National Military Park’s centennial coincided with the 160th anniversary of the conclusion of the Civil War.
All this will pale when the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence kicks into gear in 2026, culminating with massive celebrations around July 4. Many events are already in progress. Here’s a sampling of events happening this month and a taste of what’s coming. For the full list, visit america250.org.
Independence Day at American Village
The mission of the American Village in Montevallo, Alabama, is to educate the public about American liberty and constitutional self-government. This Fourth of July the Village will feature patriotic activities such as music and dance, games and folks dressed as patriots of the past, including George and Martha Washington, Alexander and Eliza Hamilton, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Samuel Adams. Naturally, there will be food (this is Alabama) and fireworks at day’s end.
Southern Reenactments
On July 19, the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport will reenact the burning and destruction of Fort Johnston by more than 500 Whig militiamen during the summer of 1775, an event that spurred North Carolina into the Revolutionary War. There will also be a symposium, living history and nighttime commemoration. On July 26, the Cherokee Historical & Preservation Society presents its 10th annual Liberation Day celebration at the Fort Thicketty historic site in Gaffney, South Carolina. The event also serves as the site’s entry into the South Carolina Liberty Trail. Also on July 26 is the annual reenactment of the Tory and Whig skirmish at House in the Horseshoe in North Carolina, highlighting the struggles of the North Carolina backcountry.
Baton Rouge
The signing of the Declaration of Independence didn’t start the hostilities between the colonist and the British. Battles occurred in April 1775 at Lexington and Concord and in November in South Carolina. Louisiana merchant and American Patriot Oliver Pollock secretly supported Americans with arms and finances before Thomas Jefferson took pen to paper. A sculpture of Pollock by Frank Hayden can be found on North Boulevard in Baton Rouge. When France and Spain signed an alliance against Britain in 1779, Louisiana’s Spanish Gov. Bernardo de Gálvez took the British forts at Manchac and Baton Rouge, the two Revolutionary War battles that occurred in Louisiana. Visitors may stand at the site of the Baton Rouge battle, marked by a DAR bronze marker on North Boulevard near the Old State Capitol.
Marquis de Lafayette
You might know Lafayette as “America’s favorite immigrant” from the Broadway play “Hamilton,” but most Louisiana residents—we hope—understand the Marquis de Lafayette’s role in enlisting France’s support to establish American independence. His fame was evident when he arrived in 1824 to tour the United States, including visiting Louisiana, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Declaration signing. This year, the Cabildo showcases Lafayette’s achievements and visit with its exhibit “Bienvenue Lafayette: Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s Visit to Louisiana,” through Jan. 18, 2026.
