As Americans, it’s our duty to understand the history of July 4th. While in popular culture it may appear that the 4th of July is a day for barbecues, parades, and beach days - there is actually a lot more to the holiday. In this article we’re going to share 21 surprising facts about Independence Day.
The 4th of July has been a national holiday in the States since 1941, but Independence Day festivities date back to the 18th century during American Revolution. The Continental Congress voted in support of independence on July 2, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was declared two days later by representatives from the 13 colonies.
The history of Independence Day
The American Revolution began on April 19, 1775, when the first shots were fired between Americans and British forces at the Battles of Lexington and Concord (Massachusetts). Tensions between Britain and her American colonies grew after these initial military battles. The Second Continental Congress voted for independence from Britain on July 2, 1776.
21 surprising Independence Day facts
Independence day is celebrated throughout America with good old American pride and passion. The most patriotic of us plan for this day well in advance. From children to grandparents, everyone is excited about this wonderful day of celebration.
To help you understand and know more about this important day, we have compiled 21 surprising Independence Day facts:
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John Adams was a firm believer in celebrating the birth of American freedom on July 2, and he was rumored to have declined offers to attend the July 4 festivities in opposition.
- In 1781, over nine decades before the actual Fourth of July became a public holiday, the Massachusetts legislature pushed for a state's official holiday to commemorate "the birthday of America's freedom."
- The United States Congress did not declare the Fourth of July an official holiday until 1870.
- If July 4 occurs on Sunday, the public holiday is honored on the coming Monday, which would be July 5. If the Fourth of July comes on a Saturday, the majority of government employees will get an off day on Friday, July 3.
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Contrary to popular belief, July 4, 1776, is not the date when the Declaration of Independence was signed. It was officially accepted by the Continental Congress on that date. The Declaration of Independence was not signed till August 2, 1776. The president of the Congress, John Hancock, was the first of 56 delegates to sign it.
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Coincidentally, both signatories of the Declaration of Independence and presidents of the United States, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, died on July 4, 1826. It was precisely fifty years after the declaration was adopted.
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Many individuals think that President Zachary Taylor died at a Fourth of July celebration. In actuality, he died on July 9, 1850, from cholera contracted from contaminated fruit consumed during Independence Day festivities.
- Army cannons and live gunshots were a significant feature of the early Independence Day celebrations. Fourth of July festivities would have acted as military confidence stimulants for troops and residents
alike.
- These hostile displays of army weaponry lasted until the mid-nineteenth
century, when remaining weapons burnt down and civilian safety concerns won the day, sparing just the fireworks.
- On July 4, 1777, at the first planned observance of Independence Day in Philadelphia, the practice of lighting fireworks started. In celebration of the 13 colonies, the ship's cannon launched a 13-gun tribute.
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The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Display is thought to be the largest of the more than 14,000 citywide fireworks shows that take place on July 4. The Macy's display, which has been seen over New York City's East River for more than 40 years now, has approximately 75,000 firework shells and is believed to cost the apparel company $6 million.
- Unfortunately, July 4 is a hectic day at emergency departments around the United States, as Americans go crazy with backyard fireworks shows. There were 12,900 fireworks-related accidents handled in US Medical facilities in 2017, with eight deaths reported.
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Calvin Coolidge is theonly US president that was born on this celebrated date.
- On the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Stephen Foster nicknamed the "Father of American Music," was born on July 4, 1826. It is coincidentally the exact date that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died.
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TheNathan's renowned Hot Dog Eating Competition takes place every year on July 4. Joey Chestnut, the 2018 winner, ate 74 hot dogs with bread in only 10 minutes.
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Every year, on the Fourth of July at 2 Pm Est, youth descended from Declaration signers ring theLiberty Bell 13 times. Bells around the country are also rung 13 times in commemoration of the 13 original states' patriots.
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Because fresh Atlantic salmon was abundant throughout the mid-summer months, salmon was the classic July 4 dinner for a while.
- Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Fourth of July was observed yearly, and in 1870, Congress designated the day a national holiday. The day did not become a paid national holiday for civil servants until 1941.
- To commemorate the celebration of the Declaration of Independence in 1778, George Washington gave all of his men twice the servings of alcohol.
- While the 4th July celebration is just for Americans, Canadians celebrate their own Independence Day on the first of July.
- It was a scorching 4th of July in New England on July 4, 1911. Nashua, New Hampshire,was recorded at 106°F, and Vernon, Vermont, was 105° They established all-time state records.
Independence Day Celebrations
On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail the first depiction of how Independence Day should be commemorated. He wrote about how there should be celebrations with parades, fireworks, sports, bonfires, and exhibitions throughout the United States.
While customs evolve throughout time, certain elements stay constant: a desire to enjoy quality time with friends and family on the 4th of July. Some ways that you can celebrate this loved holiday is by:
- Seeing a neighborhood fireworks display
- Playing games and sports
- Going on ahike
- Festivals and Parties
- Parades
Canada Day, which occurs on July 1, like the Fourth of July, is a commemoration of a unified Canada and its independence. Both their national holidays are celebrated alike. The Canadian flag is flown proudly across the nation that day, and Canadians usually rejoice with fireworks shows, music, picnics, marches, and other cultural events.
Read our blog to find out more ideas onhow to celebrate the 4th of July.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, remember to choose your footwear wisely. It might seem trivial, but foot pain is no joke and can put a real damper on your day. Check out our blog about how feet affect your whole body. The last thing that you would want to let you from having a great time is a poor footwear decision. You do not want to feel exhausted, uncomfortable, or in pain during these massive celebrations. What better way to prevent this than to get a pair of custom insoles or sandals?
