On Thursday, July 4th, banks and post offices will be closed in honor of Independence Day, but major restaurant, grocery, and retail chains like Walmart, Starbucks, Target, and Chick-fil-A will remain open. The stock market will also be closed for the holiday. The Fourth of July celebrations date back to Philadelphia's first anniversary of American independence, as noted by John Adams in a letter to his daughter. Holiday traditions were solidified after the War of 1812, leading to the establishment of Independence Day as a federal holiday in 1870. For those wondering about business operations on the Fourth, stores like Walmart and Target will be open, while banks and post offices will be closed. Other popular chains like Costco, Home Depot, and Walgreens will also have varying hours. Make sure to check specific store hours before heading out to celebrate the holiday.