Ten Fun Facts About The 4th of July
Independence Day
The 4th of July is a day of celebration. Family reunions, picnics, barbecues, parades, carnivals, and fireworks displays abound, but what are we really celebrating?
Two hundred forty years ago the thirteen American colonies declared their independence from the British Empire declaring themselves a free and independent nation. By the time the declaration was made, the colonies had already been at war with the British Empire for over a year. The Revolutionary War didn't officially end until 1783 when the British King, George III, accepted the independence of the colonies.
Ten Fun Facts About The 4th of July
1. Most historians believe that the Declaration of Independence wasn't actually signed on the 4th of July. Most of the signers penned their name to the document on August 2, 1776.
2. Of the 56 delegates of the Continental Congress who signed their name to the Declaration of Independence, most were native-born Americans, but 8 of the delegates were born in Britain.
3. Only two of the signers of the Declaration ever became president of the United States. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
4. Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same day; the 50th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1826.
5. Calvin Coolidge is the only American president to be born on the 4th of July.
6. About 200 copies of the Declaration were originally printed by printer, John Dunlap. They became known as the Dunlap Broadsides. Only 26 copies remain.
7. The original hand-writhen Declaration that was sent to Dunlap has been lost.
8. In 1989 a flea market buyer paid $4 for an old picture in a frame. Inspecting a tear, he discovered an original Dunlap Broadside tucked behind the picture. TV producer, Norman Lear, purchased that copy for $8.1 million in 2000.
9. Independence Day didn't become a paid federal holiday until 1938.
10. The population of the United States in 1776 was about 2.5 million. The population today is almost 324 million.
(About the Author: Lou Serrano is a professional entertainer born and raised in the Unites States of America. He creates compelling magical experiences for high-end clients. His shows are fun, interactive, and customizable to your theme or event.)