America’s First July 4th: A Look Back

America’s first documented July 4th celebration was a quiet one. No booming fireworks, backyard barbecues or military parades—only the sound of trombones, prayers of gratitude and the collective relief of a community welcoming peace.

While informal July 4th observances took place elsewhere during the Revolutionary War, Salem’s 1783 celebration is recognized as the first officially documented observance following the war’s end. The question then becomes: Why here? And why then? 

After all, Salem was a small, faith-centered settlement tucked into the Carolina backcountry. Why would America’s earliest recorded July 4th celebration happen here instead of Philadelphia or Boston? 

The answer lies in the unique story of the Moravians. Following the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, North Carolina declared July 4 a statewide day of thanksgiving—the only state known to do so that year—and Salem was the only settlement to answer the call that first year. 

For the Moravians, the moment was deeply personal. Immigrants from Central Europe, they lived on land held in a British trust even as many of their frontier neighbors identified with the Patriot cause. As committed pacifists, they endured hardships for refusing to bear arms for either side. When peace finally arrived, they were eager to celebrate the end of uncertainty and affirm their place in a new nation.

Salem’s festivities on July 4, 1783, began with trombonists awakening the town and concluded with an evening torchlight procession around the town’s central gathering space, Salem Square. At the heart of the celebration was a cantata composed for the occasion by Johann Friedrich Peter, a Salem resident and one of early America’s most respected composers. His “Psalm of Joy,” still performed today, is recognized as the first music written to celebrate American independence.

Nearly 250 years later, visitors can still stand in the same historic square where the tradition began.

Experience Old Salem Today

Old Salem Museums & Gardens is far more than a preserved historic district. Spread across nearly100 acres, it offers an immersive look at early American life, craftsmanship, and culture. Start at the Visitor Center, then walk across the Heritage Bridge into the restored Moravian settlement where cobblestone streets, historic gardens, and original buildings create one of the South’s most distinctive visitor experiences.

Must-see highlights include:

• Salem Tavern Museum: Where George Washington stayed during his 1791 Southern tour, offering a look at how Moravians in Salem connected to the outside world.

• Single Brothers' House: Old Salem’s largest interpreted space, showcasing traditional 18th-century trades and craftsmanship, along with horticulture traditions thanks to the award-winning (and adjacent) Single Brother’s Garden.

•Winkler Bakery: The nation’s oldest continually operating bakery, famous for Moravian sugar cake and fresh-baked treats.

• MESDA: The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (aka, MESDA) is home to one of the country’s premier collections of early Southern material culture and an absolute must-see.

America 250: Summer Happenings at Old Salem

For the nation’s 250th anniversary, Old Salem Museums & Gardens is planning a summer of commemorative programming and special events. Here are a few highlights:

• Independence Day Celebration (July 4): Spend the holiday immersed in living history with readings of the Declaration of Independence, hands-on activities, and interactive demonstrations throughout the district. Highlights include historic ice cream-making, firearm demonstrations, and a “Fire Bucket Brigade” showcasing how early residents fought fires. All activities are included with regular admission.

• Salem Band "Stars & Stripes" concert (July 4): As evening falls, the celebration continues in Salem Square with an outdoor concert by Salem Band, recognized as the nation’s oldest mixed-wind ensemble. Expect patriotic favorites, an “Armed Forces Salute,” food vendors, and a festive atmosphere. Admission is free; bring blankets or lawn chairs.

• Flag Day Scavenger Hunt (June 13 – July 31): A family-friendly exploration of how the American flag evolved, included with the price of Old Salem admission.

• MESDA exhibit: Lately From. A special exhibit running through 2026 exploring the immigrant artisans who shaped the American South.

• MESDA experience: Patriotism through Textiles (June): Guided tours at MESDA showcasing the revolutionary spirit expressed through needle and thread.

More July 4th Fun Around Town

While we will have a more extensive look at all the July 4th happenings in the coming weeks, these are a few early favorites to help you plan your holiday weekend:

• Winston-Salem Dash (June 30–July 5): Truist Stadium hosts a multi-night "America 250 Celebration" featuring specialty jerseys and three straight nights of fireworks (July 2–4).

• Theatre Alliance presents 1776: (June 24–July 5) Catch this Broadway hit for a humanizing, witty look at our founding fathers. Presented by the WS Theatre Alliance at their downtown facility.

•Rock the Quarry (June 26): Held annually the weekend before July 4th, this "pre-holiday" party at Quarry Park features live music, food trucks, and a dazzling drone light show over the quarry cliffs. More details on the 2026 event announced soon.

Explore 250 Year of American History (in one place)

Winston-Salem offers an authentic stage for the stories that shaped our nation. As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, check out our America 250 page to find era-by-era itineraries, historic factoids, and special events celebrating our colonial roots and modern renaissance.

Want to Stay the Night?

For a full historic getaway, consider an overnight stay at The Zevely Inn B&B, Mansion on Main, or Historic Brookstown Inn—all located within or adjacent to Old Salem. These are just a few of the dazzling historic stays available in the city. See more in our Historic Stays story.