Since 1776, July 4th has been a day to be celebrated.
Here are some facts you might not have known about Independence Day:
- The Declaration was only published in the paper on the 4th, but the official vote took place on the 2nd of July.
- 56 people were to sign the Declaration of Independence. On July 4th, only two did. Charles Thompson and John Hancock were the first to sign their name while the other 54 signed over the course of a month.
- Benjamin Franklin was the oldest individual to sign at the young age of 70.
- In 1778, George Washington ordered double rations of rum for the American soldiers to celebrate the 4th of July during the American Revolutionary War.
- July 4th was not seen as a federal holiday until 1870.
- The holiday’s first anniversary, in 1777, thirteen rockets were set off which started the tradition of fireworks.
- The White House didn’t hold an Independence Day party until 1801 when Thomas Jefferson was in office.
- New England accidentally started a tradition where you eat salmon on Independence Day.
As we celebrate this holiday with family, friends, and fun, please remember to be safe.
