Today celebrates John Adams’ October 30, 1735 birthday. Happy 176th birthday, John
In his autobiography, John Adams, wrote “By my constitution, I am but an ordinary man. The times alone have destined me to fame—and even these have not been able to give me much.” Adams’ feelings changed as Revolution neared.
[Photo credit: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Historic American Buildings Survey Reproduction Number HABS MASS,11-QUI,6-5]
Although Adams was a fierce fighter for independence, he was the lawyer who defended British soldiers charged after the Boston Massacre. While sentiments ran high against the soldiers, Adams managed to get an acquittal for his client. “Never in more misery my whole life,” Adams wrote about the trial.
During the First and Second Continental Congresses, John Adams led the fight for independence. Once war began, he served as a diplomat to France and Holland and eventually helped negotiate the peace treaty. He was elected Vice-President under George Washington.
Adams was elected as the second U.S. President, and was the first to live in the White House. He wrote his wife, Abigail, “Before I end my letter, I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof.”
Visit Adams National Historical Park:
Car From Boston and Route 128: Traveling south on U.S. Interstate 93 or Route 128, take exit 7 – Route 3 south – to Braintree and Cape Cod. Take the first exit off Route 3 south – exit 19 – and follow signs towards Quincy Center. Continue straight on Burgin Parkway through six sets of traffic lights. At the seventh set of traffic lights, turn right onto Dimmock Street. Follow Dimmock Street one block to the intersection of Hancock Street. Turn right onto Hancock Street. The National Park Service Visitor Center, located in the Galleria at President’s Place is two blocks on your left, 1250 Hancock Street. Parking is in the garage in the rear of the building, turn left on Saville Avenue just before the building.