Independence Day is popularly known as “the Fourth of July” because of the date it is celebrated, based on the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776.
Independence Day is a special date for people across the country. Whether it is about spending time with friends and a grill or a pool party, or attending a parade or watching a baseball game, the fourth of July is a date most people look forward to. We all know the story, but there are some facts that remain little known, here are a few for you:
- The first public reading of the Declaration happened on July 8
In 1775, people in New England started fighting for their independence and on July 2, 1776, the Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. On July 4, the final wording was approved and the document was published. However, it wasn’t until July 8 that the Declaration had its first public reading.
- Most signers of the documents actually signed on the 2nd August 176
Only two people signed the declaration on the 4th of July: presidents Jefferson and Adams. The major objection that propelled the need for independence from Britain was taxation without representation. There were 56 signers and in order to protect them, their names were withheld for more than six months.
- Two of the signers of the Independence died on July 4
The Declaration of the Independence was signed by Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, presidents of the US. Interestingly, both died on July 4, 1826 – exactly 50 years after the adoption of the declaration.
- Rhode Island is home to the oldest continuous celebration
The oldest continuous celebration of the Fourth of July takes place in Rhode Island and it dates back to 1785. At the end of the war of 1812, the different festivities had expanded across the country.
- The National Flag was adopted nearly a year later
Almost a year after the declaration, the Continental Congress adopted the national flag with the interest to promote unity and national pride across the citizens.
- Fireworks have been a part of the celebration ever since the first Independence Day
Around 2.5 million people saw fireworks during the first celebration of independence. This was because the founding fathers of America believed in the tradition of using fireworks to celebrate independence. In fact, one of the popular letters John Adams sent to his wife states that this holiday deserves the illumination of fireworks. Ever since, fireworks have been a part of the fourth of July.
