Today in Johnson City History, Friday, July 4, 2025 Happy Independence Day!
The Olive Branch Petition, recipes, a bridal couple and more
Tuesday, July 4, 1775: Two hundred and fifty years ago today, “The Olive Branch Petition was adopted by Congress on July 5, 1775, to be sent to the King as a last attempt to prevent formal war from being declared. The Petition emphasized their loyalty to the British crown and emphasized their rights as British citizens.” (Source: https://www.battlefields.org/)
Wednesday, July 4, 1900: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, the Knoxville Sentinel reported two news stories with datelines from Johnson City. Readers learned that “Washington county (sic for County), democrats (sic for Democrats) have never been so well organized as at present. They expect to sweep everything before them, and elect Gus Brodrick for sheriff and H. C. Jackson for trustee. Both are strong and popular men.”