This week’s “Art’s World” is all about some fun facts regarding the 4th of July. God knows, at my age, I have been through a bunch of them and still have some, fond memories of the past. It is a very special time with so many things to do cookouts, the backyard pool, the beaches and lakes, fireworks, fun with family and friends as the summer gets underway. Many of us dress in the good old red, white and blue to make an even more festive time. But let’s not forget that this is also a time to celebrate America’s freedom and the history of our country. Here are some fun facts that you may, or may not, have known about. Hope you enjoy this, have a great holiday.
The Liberty Bell is tapped 13 times on July 4th. Every year on July 4, descendants of the Declaration of Independence signers tap the Liberty Bell 13 times. The tradition was created as a way to honor the original 13 colonies.
Massachusetts was the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday. The New England state made it official on July 3, 1781.
There have been 27 different versions of the U.S. flag.The original flag featured 13 stars and stripes to represent the 13 colonies right up to the current flag of 50 stars and 13 stripes.
John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence. His bold signature was so memorable that his name became synonymous with the word (as in, “Put your John Hancock on this form.”).
Bristol, Rhode Island has the longest running 4th of July parade. Dating all the way back to 1785, Bristol has held an annual Independence Day celebration—one that the town is known for. It’s considered the oldest annual 4th of July celebration to date!
Three U.S. presidents have died on the 4th of July. James Monroe, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson all died on the patriotic day. (Adams and Jefferson passed in 1826, and Monroe passed five years later in 1831.)
There are some copies of the Declaration of Independence with a woman’s signature on it.Mary Katharine Goddard wasn’t one of the official signers in 1776, but the printer and publisher added her name to the Declaration of Independence after she was hired by Congress to print copies.
Americans consume a lot of hot dogs on July 4th. About 170 million, to be exact. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. Then there is Joey Chestnut, but not this year!
The Nathan’s Famous 4th of July hot dog eating contest began over a century ago. According to the company, the first unofficial contest took place on July 4th, 1916. It began with four immigrants competing to determine who was the most patriotic, ended up becoming one of the most widely known July 4th traditions in America.
There are approximately 18,000 Independence Day fireworks displays that take place each year. America’s 4th of July tradition is a bit of a loud one, but iconic nonetheless. According to History.com, the custom dates back to 1777. Even with some of the newer safety restrictions in place it is still one of the most popular events of the year.
When we look at the costs, Americans spend over $1 billion on fireworks every 4th of July. So, you thought Halloween, Easter or New Years? This fact just blows our mind!
July 4th wasn’t an official holiday until almost 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. It wasn’t common to celebrate this patriotic event for the first few decades of America’s independence. When it was established as an official holiday in 1870, it became one of the most popular nonreligious celebrations in the United States.
The Liberty Bell hasn’t been rung since 1846. The last time the bell rang was on Washington’s birthday in February 1846, when a major crack appeared on the bell.
It was once considered disrespectful to keep your business open on the 4th of July. Before the Civil War, people who kept their businesses open during the holiday were deemed unpatriotic. However, it became more acceptable after the war when storeowners started holding “patriotic” Fourth of July sales.
It’s a tradition in New England to eat salmon on the 4th of July. Eating salmon and peas on Independence Day is a New England practice that dates back centuries. Many swear by the recipe, and have made it a staple for the American holiday. Will this be something you cook up for your July 4th barbecue?
There is one U.S. president who was born on the 4th of July. America’s 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, was born on July 4, 1872.
There are 31 towns in the U.S. that contain the word ‘liberty.’ The largest town is Liberty, Missouri, with a population of 30,000 plus.
If you want even more fun facts about this holiday go to: https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/news-entertainment/a39946406/july-4th-trivia-facts/
