The history behind Fourth of July fireworks and other traditions
How did your favorite Fourth of July traditions get started? What to know about the history of Independence Day.
Consumers needing to conduct a banking transaction or go the post office this week might want to plan ahead.
That’s because Independence Day is this Friday, a federal holiday that will see banks and post offices shutter.
The origins of the Fourth of July date back to July 4, 1776, when the U.S. unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence. However, the annual observation of the holiday only became a regular occurrence after the War of 1812, when events such as groundbreaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad were scheduled to coincide with Fourth of July festivities, according to the Library of Congress. Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870.
Here’s what you need to know about banks, post offices and shipping services, and whether or not they’ll be open on the Fourth of July.
Is the post office open on the Fourth of July? Will mail be delivered?
All post offices will be closed for retail transactions and there will be no regular residential or business mail deliveries on Friday, July 4, according to the U.S. Postal Service’s website.
Priority Mail Express is available 365 days a year, including federal holidays.
Are banks open on the Fourth of July?
Branches of Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, Truist, CitiBank, JPMorgan Chase and Capital One will be closed on the holiday, the companies confirmed to USA TODAY. Capital One Cafes will remain open.
Is UPS open on the Fourth of July? Will packages be delivered?
UPS pickup and delivery services will not be available on July 4 and UPS Store locations may be closed, according to the company’s website. Check with your local store for specific hours of operation.
UPS Express Critical service is available 365 days a year, according to the company’ website. Visit upsexpresscritical.com for more information.
Is FedEx open on the Fourth of July? Will packages be delivered?
Most of FedEx’s pickup and delivery services will not be available on July 4, according to the company’s website. FedEx Office hours will also be modified, so it is best to check with your local store for their specific hours.
FedEx Custom Critical, however, is available 24/7, according to the company.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.
