PHILADELPHIA - The United States declared independence from Great Britain 245 years ago this Sunday – on July 4, 1776.
Independence Day gatherings were a little different in those days, and so was the weather.While, for obvious reasons, there are not many surviving weather records from the 18th century, Thomas Jefferson was one of the few people from that time period who kept a detailed weather diary.The Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull (Architect of the Capitol)Jefferson noted in his memorandum books that he purchased nearly 20 thermometers.