Most of us got decent grades in American History, but there are some common assumptions people believe that aren’t exactly factual about Independence Day and America. Let’s delve into those and some other fun facts about the 4th of July.
Independence Wasn’t Actually Declared on July 4th
It is widely believed that America declared its independence from Britain on July 4th, 1776. However, the official vote that made it official took place 2 days prior. It was the ‘Declaration’ that was published in newspapers on the 4th of July.
Only Two Men Out of 56 Signed the Declaration of Independence on July4th
That’s right, only John Hancock and Charles Thompson signed the official document of America’s freedom on July 4th, 1776. The other 54 delegates signed it over the course of the month. The average age of the signers was 45. Two were only 26 years old, while Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer at age 70.
Fireworks on the 4th Dates Back to 1777
John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife that he wanted Independence Day to be celebrated with ‘pomp, parade, shows and ‘illuminations’. At the time, Adams presumed Independence Day would be celebrated on July 2nd (see #1).
The 50th Year Independence Day Anniversary Saw 2 Losses
On the 50th anniversary of Independence Day, July 4th, 1826, Thomas Jefferson passed away at the age of 82, while 90-year-old John Adams also passed––within 5 hours of each other.
It Took Nearly 100 Years for Independence Day to Become a National Holiday
July 4th wasn’t deemed a federal holiday until 1870, nearly 100 years after the nation was founded. Better late than never, right?
America Spends BIG on the BOOM for the 4th
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans spend more than $1,000,000,000 (that’s $1 BILLION Dollars!) on fireworks each year. Because of this, nearly 13,000 people wind up in the ER due to firework-related injuries each year, 70% of them being men. Rumor is the last thing said before ‘OUCH’, was “Hold my beer…”
Hot Dogs are CRAZY Popular on Independence Day
According to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council, Americans consume 150 million hot dogs over the 4th of July holiday. Expand that out from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the hot dog number rises to an estimated 7 billion.
The US Flag Code Prohibits Wearing the Flag as Clothing
The US Flag Code states that you are in violation if you sell or display “…any article of merchandise upon which shall have been printed, attached or otherwise placed as a representation of the flag in order to advertise, call attention to, decorate, mark or distinguish the article or substance on which so placed.” But don’t worry…this is a code, not an enforceable law, and even then, it’s not enforced and there are no Flag Police. So, support the Red, White and Blue with the pride intended to celebrate America’s independence.
We Got Off to a Small Start
While the first official US Census wasn’t until 1790, it’s estimated that at its birth, the United States of America only had approximately 2.5 million people. Current US population (as of 2024) sits at 340 million.
There’s Something Written on the Back of the Declaration of Independence
But it’s not as intriguing as what would be portrayed in the National Treasure movie franchise. According to the History Channel, a simple message written upside down on the back says, “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776”. It’s believed to have been added as a label during the Revolutionary War years when parchment was frequently rolled up for transport.
On behalf of everyone at all four Parkview Senior locations, we wish you a happy Independence Day, and God Bless America!
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