Spending the 4th of July in the United States is one of the most culturally enriching experiences you can have in the country. On July 4th, 1776, the country declared its independence and has been celebrating the special day with gusto ever since.
From fireworks to barbecues and some fantastic street parties and parades, every major city and small town in America celebrate this massive holiday annually. However, there’s more to the 4th of July than mere fireworks.
Sure, fireworks are a great finale to an iconic patriotic celebration, but there’s a lot to know about America’s Independence Day. Check out seven 4th of July facts you need to know before spending the holiday in the United States.
4th Of July Facts
1. The Declaration of Independence Wasn’t Signed on July 4th
Contrary to popular belief, the Declaration of Independence wasn’t actually signed on July 4th. The Continental Congress formally voted for independence on July 4th but the document was dated and finalised on July 4th. However, aside from John Hancock and Charles Thomson, most of the men who signed the document actually didn’t sign it until August.
2. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Died On July 4th
Two of America’s Founding Fathers actually passed away on the iconic date. As one of the more sombre 4th of July facts, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on July 4th, 1826. It was the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence. As another fun fact, despite their role in constructing modern America, neither of them signed the Constitution either.
3. The Liberty Bell is Tapped 13 Times
On the 4th of July, the Liberty Bell gets tapped 13 times to represent the original 13 states. 4th of July facts like to state sometimes that the bell is rung, but the Liberty Bell actually hasn’t been rung since 1846. Due to the crack in the bell, they simply tap it. You might, however, hear other bells around the country being rung for 13 times on the 4th of July.
4. Americans Eat 150 Million Hot Dogs On The 4th
According to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, on the 4th of July alone, Americans and visitors consume about 150 million hot dogs. When you take a look at peak hot dog consuming season, which is from Memorial Day to the 4th of July, that number rises to a whopping 7 million dogs.
5. Nearly 50 Million Americans Travel For 4th Of July
Last year, AAA reported that 48.9 million Americans planned to travel over the holiday, which was 4.1% increase from the year before. And, while this might seem like a lot of travellers, it’s only the third busiest travel holiday of the year. Christmas and New Years is first, followed by Thanksgiving.
6. The US Spends $1 Billion On Fireworks Annually
In 2019, reports showed that the United States would spend $1 billion on fireworks all over the country. However, that number paled by comparison when you look at how much people spend on food and decorations. The same report showed that Americans were set to spend $6.8 billion on food and $5.4 million on imported American flags.
7. They Celebrate American Independence In Denmark Too
No 4th of July facts list would be complete without mentioning the fact that Denmark also celebrates American Independence Day. Rebild National Park has been holding the largest Fourth of July celebration outside of the United States since 1912. The festival is called Rebildfesten and fuses both American and Danish heritage into one fun-filled celebration.
