50 Fascinating Facts About the 4th of July
Introduction
Independence Day, or the 4th of July, is one of the most famous holidays in the United States. Fireworks, barbecues, and parades are all part of the celebration. It marks the day the United States declared independence from British rule in 1776.
There are a lot of interesting and often forgotten facts about this historic day that go beyond the patriotic decorations and hot dogs. Here are 50 interesting facts about the 4th of July that will change how you think about the holiday, from strange historical events to record-breaking celebrations.
50 Unique 4th of July Facts
1. Independence wasn’t officially declared on July 4th.
The Continental Congress actually voted for independence on July 2, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th, which is why we celebrate on that day.
2. John Adams wanted July 2nd to be the holiday.
In a letter to his wife Abigail, John Adams predicted future generations would celebrate July 2nd with fireworks and festivities.
3. The Declaration wasn’t signed on July 4th.
Most of the signatures were added on August 2nd, not July 4th. Only two people—John Hancock and Charles Thomson—signed it on the 4th.
4. Three presidents died on July 4th.
Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe all died on Independence Day. Jefferson and Adams died on the same day—July 4, 1826, the Declaration’s 50th anniversary.
5. One president was born on July 4th.
Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, was born on July 4, 1872. He’s the only U.S. president with a July 4th birthday.
6. Fireworks have been part of the celebration since 1777.
The first official fireworks display occurred in Philadelphia in 1777, just a year after independence was declared.
7. An estimated 150 million hot dogs are consumed on the 4th.
Americans love grilling—July 4th is the top hot dog–eating holiday, with millions fired up on grills across the country.
8. The Liberty Bell hasn’t rung since 1846.
It was tapped (not rung) on every July 4th from 1776 until 1846, when a crack made it too fragile to sound again.
9. George Washington gave troops extra rum to celebrate.
In 1778, General George Washington ordered a double ration of rum for his soldiers to mark Independence Day.
10. Only two countries have July 4th as a holiday.
Aside from the U.S., the Philippines also celebrates July 4th as Republic Day, commemorating its independence from U.S. rule in 1946.
Did You Know?
In 2022, the U.S. bought more than $300 million worth of fireworks, mostly from China. In 2014, Dubai set the record for the biggest fireworks show ever, with more than 500,000 fireworks going off in just six minutes!
11. Americans spend over $1 billion on fireworks annually.
Most of that goes to consumer fireworks, with municipalities contributing a smaller share for public shows.
12. The first 4th of July celebration was pretty small.
On July 4, 1777, Philadelphia had a modest event—13 gun salutes, a dinner, and some fireworks.
13. Apple pie became linked to patriotism during WWII.
The saying “as American as apple pie” gained traction when U.S. soldiers were told they were fighting for “mom and apple pie.”
14. There were 2.5 million people in the U.S. in 1776.
Compare that to today’s 330+ million, and it’s easy to see how far the nation has come.
15. “Yankee Doodle” was originally a British insult.
The British sang “Yankee Doodle” to mock American colonists, but it was proudly adopted by U.S. troops.
16. July 4th wasn’t a federal holiday until 1870.
It wasn’t until nearly a century after independence that Congress made it a recognized federal holiday.
17. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Contest started in 1916.
It began as a competition between four immigrants on Coney Island to prove who was the most patriotic.
18. New York holds the largest 4th of July fireworks show.
The Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular in New York City lights up the skyline with over 75,000 shells annually.
19. The National Anthem wasn’t official until 1931.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” was written in 1814 but wasn’t adopted as the national anthem until over a century later.
20. The American flag has changed 27 times.
Since its creation, the flag has been redesigned with each new state, totaling 27 different versions.
Did You Know?
Fireworks are illegal in several U.S. states without special permits, including Massachusetts. However, some states like Missouri and Texas allow wide consumer access.
21. The U.S. flag code outlines display rules.
It includes how to fold, hang, and dispose of the American flag—and flying it upside down is a distress signal.
22. Bristol, Rhode Island, hosts the oldest 4th of July parade.
Their celebration dates back to 1785 and includes floats, fife-and-drum bands, and vintage cars.
23. 13 stripes = 13 colonies.
But the 50 stars represent current states; they’re arranged in nine rows of alternating five and six.
24. The Founding Fathers didn’t all agree.
The Declaration of Independence was a hard-fought compromise. Some states initially resisted severing ties with Britain.
25. Ben Franklin wanted the turkey as the national bird.
He thought the bald eagle had “bad moral character” and preferred the more respectable turkey.
26. The original July 4th fireworks were extremely dangerous.
They used gunpowder and wooden casings, often leading to accidents and fires.
27. Over 16,000 fireworks injuries occur annually.
Many injuries happen on or near the 4th, especially to hands, eyes, and faces.
28. Patriotic songs were key to morale.
Tunes like “Chester” and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” were commonly sung during Revolutionary War gatherings.
29. There are over 1,000 U.S. towns named “Liberty.”
From Liberty, Missouri to Libertyville, Illinois, the name reflects a powerful American value.
30. Flag Day is related but separate.
Flag Day (June 14) commemorates the adoption of the flag, not the Declaration of Independence.
Did You Know?
Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration in just 17 days, using a portable writing desk now displayed at the Smithsonian.
Conclusion
The Fourth of July is more than just fireworks and barbecues. It is a complicated and changing symbol of freedom, identity, and strength.
These 50 facts tell the strange, inspiring, and sometimes sad history of the holiday.
You can always learn more about America’s independence, whether you’re lighting a sparkler or reading about the Revolutionary War.
