When we think of July 4th today, hot dogs, hamburgers, and barbecue often come to mind. But what about the folks who declared independence back in 1776? What was on their plates as they made history?
It’s a little tricky to know exactly what every Founding Father ate on that specific day, as there weren’t many detailed food diaries. However, we can get a good idea by looking at what was common in colonial American kitchens and how Independence Day was first celebrated.
There Was No One Big Celebration on July 4, 1776
The Declaration of Independence was officially approved on July 4, 1776—but it wasn’t signed by everyone on that day. The signing took place over weeks and months, which means there wasn’t a big banquet for all the Founding Fathers at once. Still, in Philadelphia, where the document was adopted, there were likely modest celebrations, especially in taverns and private homes.
Some delegates may have gathered for a meal together after business concluded, but it would have been a normal meal for the time—nothing like today’s big backyard feasts.
What Was Cooking in 1776?
Colonial Americans mostly ate what was available seasonally and locally. With no refrigeration or fast transportation, food was either grown nearby or preserved. So, what you ate depended a lot on where you lived and the time of year.
🍖 Meat, Meat, and More Meat
- Beef, pork, mutton, and poultry were common.
- Seafood like fish, oysters, and turtle was popular, especially in coastal cities like Philadelphia.
- Turtle soup was a fancy favorite and may have been served at early celebrations.
🥦 Vegetables and Grains
- Staples included beans, peas, carrots, onions, potatoes, cabbage, parsnips, and corn.
- Cornmeal was used for “Indian pudding” (cornmeal custard) and hoecakes (like pancakes).
- Fresh fruit was eaten in season and preserved in jams or pies.
🧀 Breads and Puddings
- Bread made from wheat or corn was served with every meal.
- Puddings were popular—both savory (like meat puddings) and sweet (such as apple pandowdy).
🥂 Drinks
- Because water wasn’t always safe, people drank cider, small beer (low-alcohol ale), wine, or stronger spirits like rum and brandy.
What Might the Founding Fathers Have Eaten That Day?
There’s no official menu from July 4, 1776, but based on what was common and what we know from personal letters and cookbooks of the time, meals might have looked like this:
☕ Breakfast
- Johnnycakes (cornmeal pancakes)
- Bread with butter or jam
- Tea or coffee
- Fresh fruit like berries or plums
🍽️ Midday Meal (Main Meal)
- Roasted beef, pork, or fish
- Stewed vegetables
- Cornbread or brown bread
- Green salad with herbs
- Apple or cherry pie for dessert
🍽️ Supper (Lighter Evening Meal)
- Cold meat leftovers
- Bread, cheese, and cider
- Hasty pudding or fruit pie
A Peek into Historical Meals
John Adams’ (Possibly) Famous Meal
A well-known story says John Adams and Abigail celebrated July 4th with turtle soup, poached salmon with egg sauce, green peas, boiled potatoes, and Indian pudding. Whether or not they actually shared that meal on that day is debated—some say they weren’t even in the same place! Still, it gives us a glimpse of a special meal in 1776.
Taverns: The Original Networking Spaces
Places like City Tavern in Philadelphia were popular with the Founding Fathers. There, they could eat hearty meals, drink, and talk politics. Typical tavern food included:
- Ham or bacon
- Stews and roasted meats
- Fresh or preserved vegetables
- Breads and ale
The First Celebrations: 1776 to 1778
While July 4, 1776, itself may have had low-key celebrations, larger festivities came soon after:
- 1777 in Philadelphia: The city held a grand celebration with a fireworks show starting and ending with 13 rockets—one for each colony.
- George Washington in 1778: He gave his soldiers double rations of rum to honor the day.
- Public Readings and Toasts: People gathered to hear the Declaration read aloud, followed by speeches, cannon fire, bonfires, and toasts to liberty.
Final Thoughts: A Simple but Meaningful Table
Unlike today’s July 4th full of grills and soda, the meals of 1776 were rooted in practicality and the seasons. They ate what they had: fresh produce, wild game, stews, pies, and cider. The early celebrations were about community and pride—not flashy parties.
If you want to celebrate like a Founding Father, try turtle soup (if you dare), bake a cherry pie, sip some cider, and give a toast to liberty!
Happy Historic Fourth of July!
FAQs
Did the Founding Fathers eat hot dogs and hamburgers on July 4, 1776?
No. These foods didn’t exist in colonial times. Instead, meals featured traditional dishes like roasted meats, seasonal vegetables, and puddings made from cornmeal or wheat.
What kinds of food were actually served on July 4, 1776?
Common foods included turtle soup, poached salmon with egg sauce, green peas, boiled new potatoes, Indian pudding, and apple pandowdy. These were local, seasonal, and reflective of New England or Mid-Atlantic colonial cooking.
Is it true John Adams and Abigail Adams ate turtle soup that day?
Possibly. A famous story claims they celebrated with turtle soup, salmon, and Indian pudding—but many historians say they were in different cities. The meal is likely symbolic of typical upper-class fare of the time.
Did the Founding Fathers eat together or host a feast on July 4, 1776?
No official record confirms a shared feast. The Declaration was approved that day, but many delegates signed it later. If any meal occurred, it was likely modest and held at a tavern in Philadelphia.
What were typical drinks at a Founding Fathers’ table?
Due to unsafe drinking water, colonists drank cider, small beer (low-alcohol brew), rum, brandy, and sweet wine. Even children often drank small beer with meals.
What foods were common at taverns like City Tavern in Philadelphia?
Taverns served ham, roasted fowl, stews, preserved vegetables, cheese, butter, bread, and ale. They also served rum punch and hosted political discussions—think of them as the original colonial networking hubs.
Did the Founders have favorite foods?
Yes.
George Washington liked hoecakes with honey and cherries.
Thomas Jefferson adored fresh vegetables, French wine, and macaroni.
Benjamin Franklin loved apples, cranberries, and even introduced tofu to America!
What were early Independence Day celebrations like in the late 1700s?
Starting in 1777, Americans celebrated with fireworks, bonfires, public toasts, military displays, and shared meals. George Washington even gave soldiers double rations of rum in 1778.
How did food reflect the spirit of the time?
Colonial diets emphasized regional and seasonal eating. Meals were handmade with local produce, game, or seafood, and represented self-reliance, simplicity, and sustainability.
When did communal feasts and barbecues become popular for July 4?
Large-scale Independence Day cookouts began in the 1800s. Early celebrations were formal dinners, evolving over time into backyard barbecues, hot dog contests, and public picnics.
Was turtle soup really that popular in 1776?
Yes. It was considered a delicacy and often served at formal banquets. It was made from green sea turtles, rich in herbs, and took hours to prepare.
Did they use forks and plates like we do today?
They used pewter or wooden plates and basic utensils. Napkins were cloth, and communal bowls were common. Manners and table rituals were formal, especially among the elite.
What was Indian pudding?
A colonial dessert made of cornmeal, milk, and molasses, slowly baked. It was a comforting dish that reflected Native American influence and local ingredients.
Were desserts served at Independence Day meals?
Yes, especially among wealthier families. Fruit pies, puddings, and cakes made with molasses, apples, or cherries were common in summer months.
