July 4th 1774: The Other 4th of July!

Every American knows the significance and importance of the 4th of July. It is the day our forefathers officially declared their independence, thereby breaking the ties between the colonies and the mother country forever. However, how many Americans know the significance of the other 4th of July, the one that took place two years to the date before the signing of the Declaration of Independence?
Rockland, then part of Orange County, has always been notable for being a hotbed of revolutionary happenings. Major battles took place on our soil and vital supplies and troops passed through our county on their way to war. One famous, or infamous, location is Tappan’s Yoast Mabie’s Tavern, currently known as the Old ‘76 House. I say infamous, for this is where Benedict Arnold’s conspirator, Major John Andre was later confined. Nonetheless, Yoast Mabie’s Tavern should be remembered for another pivotal event, the adoption of the Orangetown Resolutions.
On July 4, 1774, the seeds of dissent were sown, when a meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of Orangetown and the Province of New York took place at Mabie’s Inn and a precursor to the Declaration of Independence was adopted. While the Orangetown Resolutions stopped short of declaring war, they were probably deemed just as treasonous by the British. Although they declared themselves to be “true and loyal subjects” to the king and were ready to “defend his crown,” the Orangetown Resolutions called for a cessation of all exports to and from England and the West Indies. They felt this was their only way to protest Parliament’s taxes and for shutting the port of Boston.
So, as we watch our fireworks, enjoy our barbecues and otherwise celebrate the brave men in Philadephia who declared our freedom and liberty on a hot July 4th in 1776, let us not forget the brave people of Rockland who took the first steps to achieving that liberty. Though the dates may be coincidental, the 4th of July, 1774 should be remembered and honored by all Rocklanders, indeed, by all Americans.