Independence Day is more than fireworks and backyard gatherings. It is an occasion to reflect on the values that have always defined this nation: hard work, entrepreneurship, and the enduring commitment to building something that lasts. For Collins Hammett Construction, those values are not reserved for a single day on the calendar but are lived out on every job site, in every graded lot and cleared acre, across the Upstate.
A Short History of Independence Day
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, marking the thirteen American colonies’ official break from British rule. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and shaped through deliberation among delegates representing each colony, including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, the document articulated a foundational argument for human liberty and self-governance that would resonate far beyond its immediate political moment.1
Although independence had effectively been declared by congressional vote on July 2nd, it was the 4th that became enshrined in the national memory. Early celebrations included public readings, bells, bonfires, and fireworks—traditions that persisted and evolved over the following century. In 1870, Congress formally recognized July 4th as a federal holiday, cementing its place as the nation’s preeminent civic observance.2
Today, Independence Day serves both as a commemoration of a singular historical event and as an annual occasion to reflect on the principles of hard work, community, and civic responsibility that the founders set in motion.
The Foundation Beneath Every Great Structure
When the founders of this country set out to establish something lasting, they understood a principle that every construction professional knows by instinct: before you build upward, you must prepare the ground. The same logic governs every project handled by Collins Hammett. Before a single wall is raised, before concrete is poured or asphalt laid, the site must be assessed, cleared, and shaped to support whatever comes next.
Collins Hammett Construction has built its reputation on exactly that kind of foundational work. From earthmoving and land clearing to hauling, site preparation, and erosion control, the company brings the expertise and equipment necessary to transform any site into a ready, reliable platform for development.
The Team Behind the Work
None of this is possible without the men and women who show up every morning and do the work. The Collins Hammett Construction crew represents the best of what skilled trades professionals bring to the industry: technical knowledge, physical dedication, and a standard of care that is visible in every finished site. Their expertise drives the company’s reputation, and their consistency is what allows Collins Hammett to deliver on its commitments, project after project, year after year.
As Independence Day offers a moment to reflect on the values that built this country, it is also a fitting occasion to recognize the employees who embody those values daily. Collins Hammett Construction is proud of the team it has built and is deeply grateful for every individual who contributes to the work.
A Community Worth Building
The 4th of July is also a celebration of community, and Greenville, SC, has demonstrated remarkable community growth and development over the past decade. The roads, commercial properties, residential neighborhoods, and civic spaces that define this region do not come together by accident. They are the product of construction professionals who show up, perform skilled work, and take genuine pride in what they leave behind.
Collins Hammett Construction is grateful to be part of that story. As a construction company with deep roots in the Upstate, our team understands that every graded lot and completed site represents more than a line item on a contract but a community taking shape.
To every client, partner, and neighbor throughout the Upstate: thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your part in this region’s growth. From the Collins Hammett Construction team, have a safe and happy Independence Day.
References
- “Declaration of Independence (1776),” National Archives, September 2022, https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/declaration-of-independence.
- Megan Finley, “History of the Fourth of July,” Museum of Arts & Science, July 2018, https://www.moas.org/History-of-the-Fourth-of-July-1-47.html.
Thomas R. Strange III is a member at Collins Hammett Construction, LLC, located in Upstate, SC. He grew up in the grading industry, starting his career with summer and after-school jobs in 1992. In 1997, he began working full-time, running equipment for numerous projects in the area. Find him on LinkedIn.