- Declaration of Independence Signatures
The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, but most of the 56 signatures, including John Hancock’s, were added on August 2, 1776. The holiday is celebrated on July 4th because it’s the day Congress approved the Declaration.
- Fireworks tradition, where did it come from?
John Adams is credited with suggesting the tradition of setting off fireworks on July 4th.
- Three Founding Fathers died on the holiday
Three Founding Father Presidents, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe, all died on July 4th. Adams and Jefferson died within five hours of each other in 1826, and Monroe died in 1831.
- Betsy Ross the seamstress or not?
There’s no evidence that Betsy Ross designed or sewed the American flag that debuted in 1777. The story of Ross’s involvement didn’t become popular until her grandson brought it up almost a century later.
- First State to Recognize the 4th of July was…
Massachusetts led the charge. It didn’t become a Federal holiday until 1870.
- Most eaten food?
Hot Dogs! Over 150 million in fact!
- Who also celebrates the 4th of July?
Denmark, England, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden. In the case of Denmark and Norway, thousands of their citizens moved to the US at the turn of the century, connecting these countries to American culture. In England, Portugal, and Sweden, celebrations are held near military bases or spots popular with American tourists.
