From its first days until today, the city of Seward has celebrated the Fourth of July. In his “History of Seward County,” published in 1888, William Cox describes the first celebration in about 1862. Although it was actually in Lancaster County, he describes it like this.
That morning, his wife suggested that they celebrate by gathering gooseberries. Just as they finished, they met Elder Young and five other men looking for a place to settle.
“They were patriotic and had not forgotten the flag,” Cox wrote. “Dinner was quickly provided and disposed of, the neighbors called in, and we had a celebration that was a feast to the soul.
“As the dear old elder talked to us of our blessed flag, and how it had been trailed in the dust by recreant hands, and the mighty struggle that was going on to maintain its supremacy, how our hearts swelled with emotion as we realized that our country and our all was at the moment trembling in the balance.
“This was probably the first time our national flag ever kissed the breezes of Lancaster county, and it was an occasion long to be remembered by all the participants.”
By July 4, 1868, Cox wrote, “we could fairly say that we had a town and were ready to celebrate.
“A flag staff was found in an adjoining grove, and our fair women hastily made a flag. we raised the pole where its many successors have stood and fallen, and sent our little flag skyward to flutter in the gentle zephyrs for the first time.
“A pile of dirt from the public well served as a platform, and many eloquent speeches were made to the assembled multitude (about twenty persons). Sweet songs were sung, and a general jolly good time was had.”
The centennial celebration in 1876 didn’t escape Cox’s pen. He described it as “the most notable gathering that had ever met in the county, both in numbers present and in the general interest manifest.”
He estimated 5,000 people assembled to celebrate the 100th anniversary of America’s independence – more than half the county’s population.
“All the people took hold of the matter with an enthusiasm that was truly commendable, and we think that celebration is worthy to be marked as an epoch in our history,” Cox wrote.
Seward has continued to celebrate the Fourth since then, with its designation as the Fourth of July City bringing thousands to town each year to observe Independence Day.
