Although America has many holidays celebrated annually, none of them carry the history and significance the Fourth of July does. It is honored as the day America was granted independence and it also marks the birthday of the United States as an independent country. While all Americans are familiar with traditions such as fireworks, barbecues and parades, few know anything more about one of the most important holidays in American history. Here are 10 fun facts about the Fourth of July that are guaranteed to surprise you.
1.) Americans spend an estimated $6.77 billion dollars annually on food alone for the Fourth of July. With that budget, Americans will consume 150 million hot dogs, which is enough to stretch from Los Angeles to Washington D.C more than five times.
2.) The Fourth of July is heavily integrated into American culture and is used year-round. The national anthem, flag and eagle are all associated with this holiday and are national symbols of both July 4th and American independence.
3.) 56 men from 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence.
4.) Only two men actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. The other 54 delegates signed it on August 2, 1776.
5.) Massachusetts was the first state to recognize Independence Day on July 3, 1781.
6.) 238 million pounds of fireworks are sold every Fourth of July to make more than 15,000 firework displays across the country.
7.) The Fourth of July was not made a federal holiday until 1870.
8.) The Philippines also celebrate their independence day on July 4th because they became independent from Spain on July 4, 1946.
9.) The United States are not the only country that celebrates the Fourth of July. Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, Norway and England also have fireworks and parties on July 4th. This is because thousands of people emigrated to the US in the early 1900’s and celebrating an American holiday overseas is also said to increase tourism in the area.
10.) Three of the nation’s first five presidents died on July 4th. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both passed away on the 50th anniversary of the signing- July 4, 1826. James Monroe died on July 4, 1831.
