41 Interesting Facts about July 4th

Dan September 2, 2023

July 4th, also known as Independence Day, is one of the most significant and celebrated holidays in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the thirteen American colonies declared their independence from British rule. This declaration marked the birth of the United States of America and its transformation from a British colony to a sovereign nation.

The Fourth of July is a day of patriotic fervor and national pride. It is often observed with various traditions and festivities across the country. Fireworks displays are a hallmark of the celebration, illuminating the night sky with dazzling colors and patterns. These fireworks symbolize the rockets and artillery used during the American Revolutionary War.

Parades are another integral part of July 4th celebrations, featuring marching bands, patriotic floats, and local community groups. Many people also engage in outdoor activities such as barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. The holiday is synonymous with the American flag, and many citizens proudly display the stars and stripes on their homes and clothing.

In addition to the festivities, July 4th serves as a time for reflection on the principles of freedom, democracy, and the sacrifices made by those who fought for American independence. It is a day to honor the Founding Fathers and the enduring values that shape the nation. For many, Independence Day represents not only a historical event but also a reaffirmation of the ideals that continue to define the United States as a land of liberty and opportunity.

Do you want to know more about July 4th? Here are 41 interesting facts about July 4th.

1. July 4th, also known as Independence Day, is celebrated in the United States on July 4th each year.
2. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
3. The Declaration of Independence declared the thirteen American colonies’ independence from British rule, leading to the formation of the United States of America.
4. John Adams, one of the Founding Fathers and the second President of the United States, believed that July 2nd was the true date of American independence and reportedly refused to celebrate on July 4th.
5. The Declaration of Independence was primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, with edits and revisions by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams.
6. The Continental Congress approved the final version of the Declaration on July 4, 1776.
7. John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration first and in a large, bold signature.
8. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence took place on July 8, 1776, in Philadelphia.
9. Fireworks have been a part of Independence Day celebrations since the early 18th century.
10. The oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States is in Bristol, Rhode Island, dating back to 1785.
11. In 1777, the first Independence Day fireworks were set off in Philadelphia, accompanied by bells ringing and cannons firing.
12. Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks in New York City is one of the largest fireworks displays in the country, featuring thousands of fireworks.
13. The American flag, often referred to as the Stars and Stripes, has 13 stripes representing the original 13 colonies and 50 stars for the current 50 states.
14. The flag’s design has undergone various changes over the years, with stars added as new states joined the Union.
15. Congress officially recognized “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the national anthem in 1931.
16. On July 4, 1801, President Thomas Jefferson held the first public reception at the White House.
17. Independence Day was not declared a federal holiday until 1941.
18. The term “Uncle Sam” is believed to have originated during the War of 1812 when it was stamped on military provisions. It later became a symbol of the United States.
19. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, held annually on July 4th at Coney Island, New York, has been a tradition since 1916.
20. The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence, is tapped (not rung) every July 4th at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
21. The Philadelphia Phillies baseball team traditionally plays a home game on July 4th.
22. The first recorded music to accompany fireworks was “The Anacreontic Song,” which later became the melody for the U.S. national anthem.
23. In 1870, Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees, and it became a paid holiday in 1938.
24. In 1956, the phrase “In God We Trust” was officially declared the U.S. national motto.
25. Independence Day parades are held in towns and cities across the country, featuring patriotic themes, marching bands, and floats.
26. Red, white, and blue are the traditional colors associated with Independence Day, symbolizing valor, purity, and vigilance.
27. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, two of the principal drafters of the Declaration of Independence, both died on July 4, 1826, on the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration.
28. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, was born on July 4, 1872.
29. The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest record is held by Joey Chestnut, who consumed 75 hot dogs in 10 minutes in 2020.
30. Each year, Americans consume about 155 million hot dogs on Independence Day.
31. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in New York City took place on July 9, 1776, in front of City Hall.
32. The U.S. Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, but Independence Day specifically celebrates the Declaration of Independence.
33. Independence Day celebrations often include patriotic music, with songs like “Yankee Doodle” and “America the Beautiful” being popular choices.
34. Many towns and cities host reenactments of historical events from the Revolutionary War during their July 4th celebrations.
35. The longest-running 4th of July parade is held in Sitka, Alaska, and has been celebrated since 1878.
36. In 1870, Congress passed the “Independence Day Act,” officially designating July 4th as a federal holiday.
37. Independence Day celebrations in the United States also include picnics, barbecues, and outdoor activities.
38. The National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., displays an original copy of the Declaration of Independence.
39. Some states have their own independence-related holidays, such as Hawaii, which celebrates Statehood Day on the third Friday in August.
40. The tradition of ringing the Liberty Bell on July 4th began in 1969 and has continued ever since.
41. Independence Day serves as a time for Americans to come together to celebrate their nation’s history, values, and freedoms, while also enjoying the camaraderie of family, friends, and communities.

July 4th, Independence Day, is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a cherished symbol of freedom, unity, and the enduring spirit of a nation. As Americans come together in celebration, the echoes of history resound in parades, fireworks, and patriotic fervor. It is a day when we reflect on the courage and vision of our Founding Fathers, who boldly declared independence and set the course for a democratic experiment that would shape the world. Beyond the festivities, July 4th serves as a reminder of the values that bind us—a commitment to liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a day when we honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and renew our dedication to preserving the ideals that make America a beacon of hope and opportunity. On this day, as we raise our voices in celebration, we also pause to celebrate the enduring promise of a more perfect union.