By Haylie Robinson
Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a joyous occasion in the United States, commemorating the country’s Declaration of Independence from British rule. It is a time when Americans come together to celebrate their nation’s birth and reflect on the values that define their identity. While most people are familiar with the traditional festivities, such as fireworks, barbecues, and parades, several fascinating facts surrounding this historic holiday may surprise you. In this article, we will explore ten intriguing and lesser-known facts about Independence Day, shedding light on the rich tapestry of America’s founding and the customs associated with this beloved national holiday.
So let’s get started with those fun facts:
1. Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, played a crucial role in shaping the document. His eloquent words and ideas have become synonymous with the spirit of American independence.
2. Contrary to popular belief, Independence Day should have been celebrated on July 2, 1776. On that day, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain. The document itself, however, was officially dated July 4, 1776. It wasn’t until August 2, 1776, that all the members of Congress signed the Declaration.
3. It took almost a century for Independence Day to become a federal holiday. In 1870, nearly 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was adopted, Congress finally recognized July 4 as a national holiday. It joined the ranks of Christmas and a few other holidays celebrated nationwide.
4. While July 4 is considered the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, the actual signing did not occur on that date. Most of the signatories affixed their signatures to the document in August 1776.
5. Each year on July 4, descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence gather at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to tap it thirteen times. This tradition honors the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States.
6. One World Trade Center, the main building of the World Trade Center complex in New York City, stands at a height of 1,776 feet. This deliberate choice in size commemorates 1776, when the United States declared independence from Britain.
7. The first Independence Day celebration at the White House took place in 1801, hosted by President Thomas Jefferson. It became a cherished tradition, and to this day, the President often holds a Fourth of July event on the White House grounds.
8. John Hancock is often associated with the Declaration of Independence with his distinctive and prominent signature. As the President of the Continental Congress, Hancock was the first to sign the document and did so with such flair that his name has become synonymous with “signature.”
9. President Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, was born on July 4, 1872. His birthday adds an extra layer of significance to the holiday, as he shares it with the nation’s celebration of independence.
10. Massachusetts became the first state to officially recognize the 4th of July as a state holiday in 1781. The condition, known for its historical significance in the American Revolution, set a precedent for other states to follow suit in commemorating Independence Day.
As Americans come together each year to celebrate Independence Day, these fun facts serve as reminders of the historical significance and enduring traditions associated with the nation’s birth.
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