17 Exciting Facts About Independence Day: Celebrate July 4th!

Happy 4th of July!!! This is America’s Day! It was on July 4th, 1776, that the United States became an independent nation, marking a significant moment in American history. From that day forward, July 4th has been known as Independence Day.

The actual vote to declare independence took place on July 2, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence was published in papers on July 4, 1776.

Who did the United States gain independence from? Britain, of course. Before that, the US was a British colony, but they didn’t like that at all. It was by winning the American Revolutionary War that took place from 1775–1783 that they finally won independence. Another fun fact: The United States won the American Revolutionary War with the help of France.

Facts about Independence Day Celebrations

Independence Day is an annual celebration where people break out the barbecue, stock up on fireworks, eat a lot of hot dogs, and drink a lot of Budweiser Beer. It is also a time for casual family gatherings, with traditions of barbecues and relaxed get-togethers during the holiday. To celebrate Independence Day, people engage in various patriotic celebrations and festivities, such as barbecues, pool parties, parades, and fireworks displays, as well as historical commemorations.

Hot dogs and fireworks may sound like strange things to mention, but after doing some research on Independence Day, we found out that hot dogs and fireworks have a lot to do with America’s July 4th holiday.

There are many other quirky facts about July 4th as well. Therefore, we thought we’d round them all up in one place for you.

Fun and Quirky July 4th Facts

July 4th is the United States National Day and the most patriotic day of the year. However, it wasn’t until 1941 that Independence Day was declared a nation-paid holiday. In 1870, Independence Day became a federal holiday, marking its importance for federal employees who receive paid holidays. Congress recognized the significance of the Fourth of July as a national holiday, celebrating the nation’s independence.

With red, white, and blue blowing in the wind, Americans celebrate in their backyards and come together at night for exciting fireworks displays all over the country—taking the day off to appreciate their freedom!

Independence Day Facts

It’s pretty similar to Canada’s July 1st celebration. Our patriotic celebration happens just three days earlier than our neighbors to the South. The first weekend in July is a big one in North America. Here’s a fact for you – Canada and the US both celebrate long weekends together at the beginning of July.

1. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is America’s symbol of freedom. The torch represents enlightenment and it lights the path to liberty and freedom. The official name is “Liberty Enlightening the World.” It was designed by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi just in time for the centennial celebration of the Declaration of Independence. The Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The tablet she is holding has the date July 4, 1776 engraved on it.

2. Three Presidents Died on July 4th.

• Thomas Jefferson – Jul 4, 1826
• John Adams – July 4, 1826
• James Monroe – July 4, 1831

3. Two Presidents Died on the Same Day

Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson signed the Declaration of Independence and both died on the same day. Weird.

4. Born on the 4th of July

President Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4th, 1872, putting him forever into the history books. Tom Cruise starred in the movie Born on the Fourth of July; that really has nothing to do with Independence Day, but the title works for this post. His birthday is July 3rd. Hmm.

5. Fireworks

Each year Americans light about 200 million pounds of fireworks! July celebrations mark the historical significance and traditions of celebrating American independence on July 4th, including the Continental Congress voting for independence, parades, concerts, and the firing of cannons. And most of them are imported from China – $247,100,000 worth.

6. American Flag

65% of Americans own an American Flag. And you guessed it, most are made in China.

7. Could have been a Turkey instead of an Eagle

Benjamin Franklin wanted the national bird to be a Turkey. He said the bald eagle is a bird of bad moral character; the turkey is a more respectable bird.

8. Road Trip

The First week of July is typically the busiest travel week of the year in the United States. (Something tells me this year will be quite different) Popular American Road Trips include The California Coast, Route 66, Black Hills of South Dakota, the Florida Keys, and many more! Americans love a road trip!

9. More Coincidences on the 4th of July

Future Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both signed the Declaration of Independence. And yes, they are the guys that both died on the same day.

10. Philippines celebrates July 4 after Independence from the United States

Ironically, on July 4th, 1946, the Treaty of Manila was signed in the Philippines giving them independence from…The United States.

11. Mount Rushmore

There are 4 Presidents on Mount Rushmore: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Thomas Jefferson signed the Declaration of Independence.

Controversy of Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore was built on sacred Lakota land. The nearby Crazy Horse Memorial is just 16 miles from Mount Rushmore and is just as impressive. It pays tribute to Crazy Horse, one of the last holdouts to surrender to the American government.

Designer Korczak Ziolkowski promised the Lakota People that no federal funding would be involved, and the project has relied on public funding for more than half a century. Read more about Crazy Horse: Crazy Horse Memorial, South Dakota

12. Sign Your John Hancock

The Term “Sign Your John Hancock” comes from an actual guy named John Hancock. He was the president of the Continental Congress and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

13. Hot Diggidy Dog!

The favorite food for the 4th of July is the Hot Dog. America consumes about 150 million hot dogs on this date. (poor little piggies)

14. Movies and July 4th

The Biggest Blockbuster movies of the year open on Independence Day weekend. Surprisingly, Will Smith is king of the Independence Day openers with five out of the top 20 hits opening on this date in history.

Some Notable July 4th Weekend Movie Openings.

• Independence Day starring – Will Smith
• Men in Black I & II – Will Smith
• Hancock – Will Smith
• Wild Wild West – Will Smith
• Spiderman – Far From Home
• Transformers and Transformers Dark of the Moon
• Spiderman 2
• War of the Worlds
• Terminator 2 & 3 (Plus Terminator Genysis)
• Armageddon

Note: Will Smith stars in five of the top 20 Independence Day Movies

15. So what is Independence Day?

• Independence Day celebrates America’s Independence from Great Britain, highlighting the historical relationship between the Thirteen Colonies and Great Britain.
• John Adams wrote letters to his wife, Abigail, expressing his vision for Independence Day celebrations, including pomp, parades, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.
• The Declaration of Independence was signed on August 2nd, 1776.

16. Continental Congress and July 2

Congress officially declared its independence from Britain on July 2nd, 1776. In 1931, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ was adopted as the national anthem of the United States, symbolizing patriotism and often played during patriotic celebrations. The vote on Richard Henry Lee’s resolution for independence was nearly unanimous. John Adams assisted in the draft of the Declaration of Independence and felt that Independence Day should be celebrated on July 2nd.

17. Declaration of Independence Signed on August 2nd, 1776

Although it is widely believed that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, Only John Hancock and Charles Thompson signed it on July 4. The rest of the 56 delegates from 13 colonies actually signed the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776, to make it official.

It was exactly a month after its declaration (July 2, 1776), on August 2, 1776, that it became official.

Why did they choose July 4th? July 4th was the day it was officially adopted, and it had a couple of signatures, so why not?

Do you have any fun Independence Day Facts? What is the biggest patriotic celebration in your country? Is the beginning of July a long weekend for you too?