For the past 250 years, the day synonymous with freedom has been celebrated throughout the United States. The fourth of July, more commonly known as Independence Day, first began as a celebration of freedom when Americans declared their independence from the British Empire, back on July 2nd 1776. Exactly two days later, 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, thus signifying that these colonies as a nation were free from royal British rule.
In 1938, the United States designated July 4th as a federal holiday; granting most works the day off to celebrate the country’s independence. For the past 250 years, backyard barbeques, fireworks, parades, and parties have made this holiday a memorable American classic. While most of us feel like we know all about this famous holiday, there are quite a few shocking facts that may even shock the U.S. history buffs among us. Read on for ten surprising facts about the holiday also known as the “United States’ Birthday.”
JULY 4TH SUPRISING FACT #1: Benjamin Franklin, one of our “Founding Fathers,” was the oldest person to sign the Declaration of Independence. At the ripe age of 70, Mr. Franklin was proud to put his signature on this incredible document. This signifies that no matter what age you may be, you can always go out and make a great change in our community.
JULY 4TH SUPRISING FACT #2: Only two men actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. While most may believe that all of the signed this document on our nation’s birthday, this is far from the truth. Of the 56 delegates to sign the document, only John Hancock and Charles Thompson signed the document on the 4th of July.
JULY 4TH SUPRISING FACT #4: The Declaration of Independence was written on a laptop. This is not the laptop you are thinking of though. According to the infamous document was drafted by Thomas Jefferson on a writing desk that could only fit on one’s lap, often referred to as a “laptop.”
JULY 4TH SUPRISING FACT #5: The Declaration of Independence was almost lost. Thankfully, this did not occur! There was one terrifying moment that occurred after George Washinton and his troops were trapped by the British in New York City, with the document on him. Thankfully for all of us, Washington found a quick escape, saving the priceless document.
JULY 4TH SUPRISING FACT #5: The United States is not the only country to celebrate their independence on this date. Our country’s birthday twin is Rwanda! Gaining independence from Belgium originally on July 1st, 1962, Rwanda celebrates “Liberation Day,” also on July 4th.
JULY 4TH SUPRISING FACT #6: The hottest 4th of July was not that long ago. No thanks to global warming, the hottest July 4th to date was on July 4th 2023. The entire globe reached a jaw-dropping temperature of 62.92 degrees Fahrenheit. A global temperature has not reached this high since July 4th, 1979.
JULY 4TH SUPRISING FACT #7: Our Pledge of Allegiance was not perfected the first time it was written. In fact, it has been revised four times! Originally penned in 1892, the famous allegiance was rewritten again in 1923, 1924, and then finalized one more time in 1954, ultimately proving that there is no such thing as a perfect first draft.
JULY 4TH SUPRISING FACT #8: The United States is not the originators of fireworks. China was the original country to develop and invent these incredible artistic sky displays. Italy was also credited for making fireworks bright through the use of metallic powders to create desired colors.
JULY 4TH SUPRISING FACT #9: American truly love their July 4th hotdogs. We love them so much in fact that according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans eat 150 MILLION hot dogs every July 4th! No one enjoys them more than record-breaking Joey Chestnut of Kentucky, consuming a whopping 83 hot dogs within ten minutes in 2024.
JULY 4TH SUPRISING FACT #10: Wearing an American flag is actually a violation of the U.S. Flag Code. According to this legal document, the flag should never be worn or used as “apparel, bedding or drapery.”
For more information on interesting facts about July 4th, check out the following articles, and be ready to impress all at your next July 4th party!
Pioneer Woman’s “60 Fun 4th of July Trivia Facts That Might Just Surprise You”
