UT Together: Reading 1776

Celebrate America's 250th by Reading 1776

On July 4, 2026, Americans will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The Civic Thought & Leadership Inititiave at UVU's Center for Constitutional Studies is leading a yearlong UT Together: Reading 1776 effort.

McCullough's 1776

David McCullough's 1776 focuses on the pivotal year when American colonists fought for independence from British rule.

The narrative follows George Washington as he transforms from an inexperienced military commander into a determined leader facing seemingly impossible odds. His Continental Army was poorly equipped, underfunded, and often outnumbered by professional British forces.

McCullough shows how ordinary farmers and merchants became soldiers, enduring harsh weather and constant danger.

Through detailed accounts from both the American and British perspectives, the book reveals how close the Revolution came to failure and how Washington's persistence and strategic thinking kept the cause of independence alive during its darkest hour.