Maybe the title is slightly dramatic. The facts for this fourth of July can be categorized as fun. So once again Independence Day is here in America and below are some interesting facts that will add just that much more sparkle to your day.
Fun Facts (Not Freaky)
- The United States did not declare Independence on the 4th of July. It is widely believed that America declared their independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. However, the official vote actually took place two days before and the “Declaration” was published in papers on July 4.
- According to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council (NHDSC), Americans are expected to eat 150 million hot dogs this July 4th holiday.
- Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on a writing desk that could fit over one’s lap. This device was referred to at the time as a “laptop.”
- According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans spend more than $1 billion on fireworks each year.
- The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there were only about 2.5 million people living in America in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed. As of 2017, it has grown to become home to 325.7 million people.
- July 4th was not deemed a federal holiday until 1870, nearly 100 years after the nation was founded.
- The U.S. flag has had 27 different official versions.
- The oldest 4th of July parade occurs in Bristol, Rhode Island.
- Denmark hosts the largest 4th of July celebrations outside the U.S.
- In 2018, Americans reportedly spent $6.9 billion on 4th of July food.
Photo by Rakicevic Nenad from Pexels
