In the yearlong 250th anniversary celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Jacksonville Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) will host two major events. The public is encouraged to attend and witness the recognition, remembrance and celebration of the local contributions with the founding of America.
The Revolutionary War Battle of Alligator Creek Bridge occurred on June 30, 1778, near what is now Callahan, (Nassau County) Florida. This National SAR-designated event commemorates the Battle of Alligator Creek Bridge as the unsuccessful third attempt by Continental and Georgia forces to capture British East Florida and halt loyalist raids into Georgia.
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, members of the Jacksonville Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution will host the 248th Battle of Alligator Creek Bridge Anniversary Ceremony at the Multi-Purpose Building located at 543378 Highway 1 in Callahan beginning at 10 a.m.
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved with the signing of the Declaration of Independence inside the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia.
Four days later, on July 8, 1776, after the Declaration was printed and distributed, the Philadelphia citizens were summoned to the State House Yard by the ringing bells of the city and heard the Declaration of Independence read publicly for the first time.
On July 8, the Jacksonville Chapter-Sons of the American Revolution is inviting the public to join in celebrating “The Spirit of America” at the Orange Park Town Hall starting with bell ringing beginning at 5 p.m. Then, at 6 p.m., the chapter will join in a simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence by all SAR chapters worldwide.
Even though America is spread across thousands of miles, and 10 different time zones, all of us in America will read the Declaration of Independence “together” at the same time.
Detailed information regarding each event will be released closer to the specific date.
