10 Interesting Facts About July 4th You Didn’t Know
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July 4th, also known as Independence Day, is a beloved American holiday filled with fireworks, parades, and barbecues. While most people know it celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, there are many lesser-known facts about this patriotic day. Here are some surprising tidbits that might change the way you look at this summer holiday.
Independence Was Actually Declared On July 2nd
Contrary to popular belief, the Continental Congress actually voted for independence on July 2, 1776. John Adams even wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2nd would be celebrated as “the most memorable epoch in the history of America.” However, the Declaration wasn’t officially adopted until July 4th, which is why we celebrate on that day.
The Declaration Wasn’t Signed On July 4th
While July 4th marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, it wasn’t actually signed on that day. Most of the 56 signers put their names on the document on August 2, 1776. Some didn’t sign until later, and the last signature wasn’t added until 1781.
Three Presidents Died On July 4th
In a strange coincidence, three of the first five U.S. presidents died on July 4th. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826 – the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. James Monroe died five years later on July 4, 1831.
One President Was Born On July 4th
Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States, was born on July 4, 1872. He’s the only U.S. president to have been born on Independence Day. Coolidge was known for his quiet demeanor and was nicknamed “Silent Cal.”
The Liberty Bell Hasn’t Rung On July 4th Since 1846
While the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is an iconic symbol of American independence, it hasn’t been rung on July 4th for over 170 years. The last time it rang for Independence Day was in 1846. After that, concerns about cracking prevented its use. Now, it’s tapped 13 times each July 4th to signal for bells across the country to start ringing.
July 4th Wasn’t A Federal Holiday Until 1870
Although Americans had been celebrating Independence Day since 1777, it wasn’t declared a federal holiday until 1870, nearly 100 years after the nation was founded. It was part of a bill that made several dates into holidays for federal employees. It became a paid federal holiday in 1941.
Americans Eat An Enormous Amount Of Hot Dogs
July 4th is the biggest hot dog holiday of the year. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume about 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day alone. That’s enough to stretch from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles more than five times.
Fireworks Have Been Part Of July 4th Since The Beginning
Fireworks have been a part of Independence Day celebrations since the very first anniversary in 1777. John Adams wrote that the day should be celebrated with “illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward, forever more.” Today, Americans spend over $1 billion on fireworks each year.
The Philippines Also Celebrated Its Independence On July 4th
From 1946 to 1962, the Philippines celebrated its independence from the United States on July 4th. The date was chosen because it was on July 4, 1946, that the United States formally recognized Philippine independence. In 1962, the date was changed to June 12 to commemorate the country’s original declaration of independence from Spain in 1898.
The Star Spangled Banner Wasn’t The Official July 4th Song Until 1931
While “The Star Spangled Banner” is now synonymous with American patriotism, it wasn’t adopted as the national anthem until 1931. Before that, other songs like “Hail, Columbia” and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” were often sung at Independence Day celebrations. “The Star Spangled Banner” was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, almost 40 years after the first July 4th celebration.
