The Fourth of July is easily one of the most recognizable holidays in the United States. However, despite its popularity, there’s a lot most of us don’t know about this historic day. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some Independence Day facts.
Cause for Celebration
The Fourth of July is the day we celebrate our independence as a nation. The idea to celebrate it on the 4th wasn’t popular with everyone. In fact, many people wanted the celebration to take place on July 2nd, the day Congress voted for independence. George Washington, on July 4th, 1788, ordered their rations of rum doubled so his men could celebrate Independence Day.
Americans may have celebrated the holiday after Congress approved the declaration, but it wasn’t until 1870, nearly 100 years after the birth of our nation, when Independence Day became a federal holiday. Fireworks on the 4th are nothing new; the earliest celebrations of the holiday included fireworks. In 1884 miners actually blew up a post office in Swan, CO because it didn’t have fireworks.
4th of July Around the World
The US isn’t the only country to celebrate this special day; England, Norway, Spain, Denmark and Portugal all celebrate it. Many of their citizens have moved to, or from the United States, and then some countries celebrate to attract US tourists. Oddly enough, the Philippines gained its independence from the US through the Treaty of Manila, which was also signed on the 4th. Perhaps the day has inspired others to seek independence the way our Founding Fathers did.
What Are the Odds?
A strange fact surrounding the 4th of July is that three US presidents have died on this day; John Quincy Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. An odd addition to this fact is that both Adams and Jefferson died on July 4th, 1826, 50 years after the country’s founding. And then there is one US president, none other than Calvin Coolidge, who was born on Independence Day in 1872.
Let’s Talk Numbers
It’s no surprise Americans drink alcohol to celebrate the day. We spend more money on beer on the 4th than any other US holiday. After all, if George Washington and his troops could celebrate by drinking, why can’t we? Don’t forget the food; Americans eat more than 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July, which is pretty substantial.
A figure that’s not substantial is the number of members of Congress who actually signed the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July, which was only two: John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the members signed the document on August 2nd.
Final Word
While these facts may not be as widespread, they only add to the richness and history of the 4th of July. For some people, it’s simply just another day, but for others, Independence Day is a reason to celebrate, both in the history of our nation and in the modern era. It’s a day we can all get together and celebrate the bravery of our Founding Fathers and the birth of our nation.
