Today in History: July 4

1776

The U.S. declared independence from Great Britain.

1826

Former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died.

1831

Former president James Monroe died.

1845

Henry David Thoreau moved into his shack on Walden Pond.

1862

Lewis Carroll first told the story of Alice's Adventures Underground to the Liddell sisters.

1884

The Statue of Liberty was presented to the United States in Paris.

1939

Lou Gehrig, stricken with ALS, made his farewell at Yankee Stadium.