While 1776 accurately depicts Thomas Jefferson recording the weather for the Continental Congress, he wasn’t the only one keeping tabs on the skies. With better meteorological equipment and increased interest in science and nature, there were others. Here’s a brief article reproducing a weather diary in Philly in 1776.
And yes, it mentions fog.
So Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone are in the clear here.
Where they appear to have fudged a bit was in depicting the Congress as suffering stifling heat. The temperature, for the most part, was mild. But I think we can forgive them for that, as it sets up that great opening number and drives up the dramatic temperature. Here are men, under great pressure, arguing and fighting for their beliefs. The heat adds to the tension.
Laura, ATC Historian-in-Residence |
