Grand Union Flag (our first flag)
Oldest continuous Fourth of July parade in Bristol, Rhode Island: 221st year
First celebration of Independence: July 8, 1776
Year Fourth of July became a paid National Holiday: 1941
Date Declaration of Independence was signed: There were no signatures on the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Most delegates signed on August 2nd at a signing ceremony in Philadelphia. The last signatures weren’t until November.
Text of rough draft of the Declaration of Independence (Duke Univ)
Final text (American Revolution.com)
Photo of the original Declaration (at the National Archives, Washington, DC). It was drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11-28, 1776, with changes by Benjamin Franklin & John Adams.
Past celebrations of Independence Day throughout history: July 4th was not recorded as “Independence Day” until 1791.
Coincidental death: Both Thomas Jefferson & John Adams, the major drafters of the Declaration, both died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of its ratification.
Other Fourth of July facts (US Census Bureau)
Unusual Fourth of July tradition: Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY. (since 1916, according to oral tradition, to determine which of 4 immigrants was the most patriotic). Last year’s winner, Takeru Kobeyashi of Japan ate 49 dogs in 12 minutes. He also has the world record of 53.5, set in 2004.
Declaration of Independence (John Trumble 1756-1843) This scene never took place at the signing of the Declaration.
Liberty Bell, cast in 1752, first cracked 1753 at first ringing. Most famous ringing on July 8, 1776 in Philadelphia to citizens announcing the Declaration. Not known as the Liberty Bell until 1837. Its inscription: Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land and unto all the inhabitants thereof.
Sources for this post: Wikipedia, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, US Census Bureau, American Revolution.com & related links.
