4th of July fun facts you probably didn't know

The 4th of July, known for its vibrant fireworks and lively parades, offers much more than the traditional celebrations. This post explores some lesser-known facts associated with Independence Day that might surprise you.

Presidential peculiarities linked to the 4th of July

• Deaths of founding fathers: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe, all key figures in American history, died on July 4. Jefferson and Adams passed away on the same day in 1826, exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Monroe followed five years later in 1831. ​

• A presidential birth: Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, was the only president born on Independence Day, specifically on July 4, 1872​.

Distinctive regional celebrations

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• Oldest continuous parade: The Bristol Fourth of July Parade in Rhode Island holds the title as the oldest continuous Independence Day parade in the U.S., having started in 1785​​.

• World's shortest parade: Aptos, California, boasts a unique tradition with its "World's Shortest Parade," covering just 0.6 miles.

Unusual food traditions

• New England's July 4th salmon: In New England, some communities have a tradition of eating salmon on the Fourth of July that harkens back to when salmon was plentiful in local rivers during the summer. 

Miscellaneous intriguing facts

• Declaration of Independence's travel: The original handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence has traveled quite a bit since its adoption on July 4, 1776. It was initially preserved in Philadelphia before moving to Baltimore during the War of 1812 and then relocated to Washington D.C. during the Civil War for safekeeping​

The significance of the American flag

• Flag etiquette: The U.S. Flag Code, established in 1942, outlines the proper handling and display of the American flag. Key guidelines include flying the flag from sunrise to sunset, ensuring it never touches the ground, and displaying it prominently and with honor​. 

The not-so-independence day

While the 4th of July is synonymous with American independence, the Continental Congress actually voted in favor of independence on July 2, 1776. John Adams even wrote to his wife, Abigail, predicting that July 2 would be celebrated as the most memorable epoch in the history of America. However, it was two days later, on July 4, that Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, and thus the date became etched in history.

A tale of two signatures

Indeed, the popular belief that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, is a misconception. Most of the 56 signatures, including that of John Hancock, were actually affixed to the document on August 2, 1776. The initial approval and adoption of the Declaration by the Continental Congress occurred on July 4, which is why that date is celebrated, but the formal signing took place later. 

Fireworks: A tradition ignited by John Adams

The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4th of July was indeed suggested by John Adams, who envisioned the celebration of Independence with great fanfare, including fireworks. Adams expressed his hopes for the annual celebration in a letter to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776, anticipating future celebrations to include "Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations" across the nation.

This vision materialized for the first time on July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia, where the day was marked with a grand display of fireworks, setting a precedent that endures to this day​.

From presidential oddities to localized celebrations and unique culinary traditions, the 4th of July is a day rich with history and diversity. Each of these facts adds depth to our understanding of this important American holiday, offering more reasons to celebrate with pride and knowledge.                                                          

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.