Lawrence County celebrates America's 250th birthday

Lawrence County is celebrating America's 250th - and you're invited.

It's part of a nationwide celebration, and it starts at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

That date marks the first public reading in 1776 of the Declaration of Independence to the citizens of what would become the United States of America. Cities and counties across the nation will take part in a simultaneous reading of the Declaration as part of "Sharing the Spirit of America." The cities of Aurora and Marionville are also planning public readings at that time.

The courthouse bells will ring to summon people to the south lawn of the Historic Courthouse. (Bring your lawn chairs, if you wish.) There will be patriotic music, a flag raising, dedication of a Liberty tree and free ice cream.

At precisely 5 p.m. the county will join in the simultaneous reading. Col. (Ret.) Gary Gilmore will be Lawrence County's reader.

In case of rain, the event will be moved indoors at the courthouse.

Shown here, a civil war replica cannon once again stands on the historic courthouse lawn. The cannon was constructed by Darrell Trogdon in the 1970s to be used in Civil War reenactments and was dedicated to the veterans of all wars. In 2016, the cannon was removed from the premises due to wear and tear. 

This year, Cathy Fairchild, county treasurer, decided that the cannon should once again embellish the courthouse green. County maintenance worker, Marion Chrysler, got down to business, restoring the cannon’s rusting metal and cracking wheels to perfect condition.

In just two weeks, the cannon was once again ready for display. It was reassembled on a concrete pad just before the steps on June 19.  (Photo by Ryan Squibb)