Fact 1: Origin of Independence Day
The 4th of July or Independence Day was officially declared a holiday only in 1870, nearly a hundred years after the country declared its independence. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, signed on July 4, 1776. Yet, it was only celebrated as a paid holiday for federal employees from the year 1938.
Fact 2: Founding Fathers’ Fate
In a striking coincidence, both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as President of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.
Fact 3: Late Signing
Though Independence Day is observed on July 4th, the official signing of the Declaration of Independence took place on August 2nd. 50 of the 56 signatories signed it on August 2. The adoption of the final version of the text occurred on July 4th, which is the reason we celebrate on this date.
Fact 4: The Liberty Bell
Every Fourth of July, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped (not actually rung) 13 times in honor of the original 13 colonies. The bell hasn't been rung since 1846 to prevent further damage to it.
Fact 5: First Celebration
The first annual commemoration of Independence Day was carried out in Rhode Island on July 4, 1777. There was a 13-gun salute in the morning and evening to honor the 13 colonies. This marks the beginning of the traditional 4th of July parades that we know today.
Fact 6: Red, White, and Blue
The colors on the American flag have meaning. Red symbolizes mercy & hardiness, white stands for purity & innocence, and blue signifies perseverance & justice.
Fact 7: Most BBQs
July 4th is the biggest holiday for barbecuing in the U.S. An estimated 150 million hot dogs are consumed on this day.
Fact 8: American Cheese Consumption
Americans consume around 33 million pounds of cheese on the Fourth of July. That’s a whole lot of cheeseburgers!
Fact 9: Patriotic Tunes
"Yankee Doodle Dandy," often played on Independence Day, was originally sung by British military officers as a way to mock ‘unsophisticated’ colonial Yankees.
Fact 10: Fireworks Spendings
Americans spend over $1 billion on fireworks each year for July 4th, with the majority of fireworks imported from China.
Fact 11: Presidential Birthdays
Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, is the only president born on Independence Day, arriving into the world on July 4, 1872 in Plymouth, Vermont.
Fact 12: First Public Reading
The Declaration of Independence was first publicly read in Philadelphia’s Independence Square on July 8th, not on July 4th as one might assume.
Fact 13: A Global Celebration
Other countries, including Denmark, England, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden also celebrate the Fourth of July as a way to bring in American tourists.
Fact 14: Consumption of Hot Dogs
Approximately 155 million hot dogs are consumed on the Fourth of July each year. That's enough to stretch across the country over five times!
Fact 15: The Origin of Fireworks
Fireworks have been a tradition of the Fourth of July since 1777. John Adams, in a letter to his wife, suggested that the day should be celebrated with "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations".
Fact 16: George Washington's Celebration
In 1778, George Washington marked July 4 with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute.
Fact 17: The Oldest Parade
Bristol, Rhode Island holds the record for the longest-running, unbroken series of Fourth of July celebrations. It started in 1785 and continues to this day.
Fact 18: Not a Nationwide Holiday Until 1938
Independence Day was not recognized as a paid holiday for federal employees until Congress passed a law in 1938.
Fact 19: The Symbolism of Fireworks
Fireworks represent the rockets and bombs that were fired during the War of Independence. One of the lines in the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," refers to it: "And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air".
Fact 20: A Star-Spangled Banner Indeed
Speaking of the national anthem, did you know it wasn't made the official national anthem until 1931, and it was originally written as a poem titled "Defense of Fort M'Henry" by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812?