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- This Alabama Historical Attraction Celebrates The Fourth In Revolutionary Style</p>
<p>Libby Monteith MinorJuly 4, 2025 at 12:26 AM</p>
<p>Jeremy Raines</p>
<p>Spending Independence Day at the American Village in Montevallo, Alabama, is a tradition my family has grown to love. Its bucolic landscape and 18th-century-style buildings make it feel like a smaller version of Colonial Williamsburg got plopped down in the rolling hills just a 45-minute drive from Birmingham. With this ideal backdrop, the Fourth of July celebration here is an annual opportunity to discover more about the past while pondering our future roles in keeping our democracy thriving. From the historical atmosphere to the costumed interpreters to the music to the food trucks to the fireworks finale, it all makes for an unforgettable time.</p>
<p>A Legacy Of Learning</p>
<p>American Village</p>
<p>Benjamin Franklin walks the grounds at the American Village.</p>
<p>Originally opened in 1999 as a living-history center dedicated to educating young people about the founding of the United States and the principles of democracy and freedom, the American Village has grown to include over 20 buildings inspired by sites from our nation's past, like the Colonial Chapel (which was built to resemble Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg) and Washington Hall (a replica of George Washington's Virginia home, Mount Vernon).</p>
<p>Talking Across Time</p>
<p>Butch Oglesby and American Village</p>
<p>Abigail and John Adams share their thoughts on the new nation.</p>
<p>Actors dressed as iconic figures and everyday heroes of the Revolutionary War share what motivated them to help build our democracy and what life was like back then. Throughout the year, thousands of visitors come here to discover the past, but it takes on an extra-special meaning during the July 4 festivities. More than 40 costumed interpreters tell the stories of Presidents, soldiers, schoolchildren, and enslaved workers.</p>
<p>Butch Oglesby and American Village</p>
<p>An interpreter portrays Revolutionary War spy James Armistead Lafayette.</p>
<p>Listen to Patrick Henry give his inspiring "Give me liberty, or give me death" speech (the reenactor's incredible ability to remember every single word and express himself with all the conviction that Henry himself must have felt had me spellbound), and then hear about the daring exploits of James Armistead Lafayette, a brave double agent who was enslaved during the Revolutionary War but later won his freedom.</p>
<p>Butch Oglesby and American Village</p>
<p>Through the Junior Interpreter program, even the youngest volunteers have opportunities to serve.</p>
<p>Let a 1700s schoolgirl teach you about the etiquette rules of that time, and find out from a teenager what young people thought about the bold idea of the colonies gaining their independence. Visit Washington Hall to hear from George about why he would never be king, and then ask his wife, Martha, if she really named her tomcat after Alexander Hamilton.</p>
<p>Butch Oglesby and American Village</p>
<p>Colonial troops stand their ground at a reconstructed Concord Bridge.</p>
<p>Visit a colonial encampment to learn about the soldiers' training, and then watch them battle enemy forces at Concord Bridge, a replica of the North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts (where the famous "shot heard 'round the world" started the Revolutionary War).</p>
<p>American Village</p>
<p>Take in the grandeur of the White House in a replica of the Oval Office.</p>
<p>You can even step into the Oval Office and pretend you're making monumental decisions as President. It's one thing to read facts about these historical figures in books, but to converse with Benjamin Franklin about his role in diplomacy and witness the sounds and smoke of war takes learning to the next level.</p>
<p>Having A Ball</p>
<p>Butch Oglesby and American Village</p>
<p>Watch fine ladies twirl around in fancy dresses at the Independence Ball.</p>
<p>Musical performances throughout the day on the Fourth run the gamut from a colonial woodwind group to a barbershop quartet to a one-man swing band to 1940s hits. Dancing to the tunes is encouraged, and the last time we went, my daughters had fun spinning across the room to the songs their great-grandparents knew well. Later in the day, you can attend the Independence Ball and admire the elaborate gowns and lively steps of colonial ladies and gentlemen—and maybe try out a few of your own takes on their old-timey moves.</p>
<p>Something For Everyone</p>
<p>Butch Oglesby and American Village</p>
<p>Stop for a photo op with Uncle Sam.</p>
<p>Kids can make a craft with Betsy Ross, grab a flag from Uncle Sam, play colonial games, visit a petting zoo, get their faces painted, and much more. If you need refreshments, you'll find 18 food trucks with various sandwiches and sweets to enjoy and plenty of cool drinks to quench your thirst.</p>
<p>A Blast From The Past</p>
<p>American Village</p>
<p>Catch a performance of the Choose Your George game show during the evening program.</p>
<p>The highlight of the celebration is the inspiring evening program on Constitution Green, when you can hear a reenactor dressed as Thomas Jefferson recite the Declaration of Independence, watch John Adams give a speech, listen to a local band perform patriotic songs, and play Choose Your George (a game show featuring King George III of England and President George Washington). Top off the night with the impressive fireworks display at "twilight's last gleaming" that causes the sky to glow in shades of red, white, and blue behind Washington Hall, forming a striking silhouette that will linger in your mind as you depart.</p>
<p>Flag These Details</p>
<p>On Independence Day, the American Village offers over 50 historical activities that begin at 11 a.m. and last until after the fireworks display at 9 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults; $10 for ages 5 to 17; and free for ages 4 and under, active-duty military, and veterans.</p>
<p>on Southern Living</p>
Source: AOL Lifestyle
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