The tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks began just one year after the Declaration of Independence was signed. As the Virginia Gazette reported, on July 4, 1777, Philadelphia hosted the first official Independence Day celebration, complete with a grand fireworks display. Discover the complete history of Independence Day, from the 1776 Declaration to modern July 4th celebrations. Learn surprising facts, myths, and traditions of America's birthday. Independence Day in the United States is a holiday celebrated annually on July 4. It is often called the Fourth of July. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This event announced the separation of the 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. What is the 4th of July? More than just a day off in the U.S., it's a day of celebration. Use this guide to brush up on July 4th history. Wondering what the history of July 4th is? We have Fourth of July fun facts, history and 22 other facts to celebrate Independence Day. The first 4th of July celebration happened in 1777 in Philadelphia. The city marked the first anniversary with a thirteen-gun salute, festivities, and fireworks, establishing traditions that continue today. [Learn more: 50 Fun Facts About Philadelphia] Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4th, 1826. Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States which commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. The Dunlap Broadsides—the first printed copies of the Declaration distributed throughout the colonies—all bore the July 4 date, cementing it in public memory. John Adams believed July 2 was the correct date and reportedly refused to attend July 4th celebrations throughout his life, but history chose the Declaration’s date over the vote date. The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the Every Fourth of July, the anthem is sung at events across the country, uniting Americans in a shared expression of patriotism and pride. Its origins in a pivotal moment of national defense underscore the enduring importance of freedom and resilience. 1. The first 4th of July celebration happened in 1777 in Philadelphia. The city marked the first anniversary with a thirteen-gun salute, festivities, and fireworks, establishing traditions that July 4th is full of fun, but how much do you know about this patriotic holiday? These interesting 4th of July facts are perfect for sharing with kids of all ages. They make a great mini history lesson at school or at home. 1. The Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776. Here are 13 facts about 4th July 1776. 1. The Declaration of Independence was written on a laptop. Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s Founding Fathers and one of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, drafted the text for the declaration on a small portable writing desk. Explore the story of Fourth of July: How Independence Day Became America’s Biggest Party with historical depth and critical insights. Discover how legend meets fact in this engaging narrative on HyperHistory. Take a refresher and digest a few interesting 4th of July facts for this year’s Independence Day recognition. 01 On July 4, 1776, the newly independent U.S. only had a population of 2.5 million. 02 The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men who represented the 13 colonies. The Declaration of Independence wasn’t signed on July 4 (or in July at all). The first Fourth of July celebrations weren’t much different from today’s. Celebrations of the Fourth of July became more common as the years went on and in 1870, almost a hundred years after the Declaration was written, Congress first declared July 4 to be a national holiday as part of a bill to officially recognize several holidays, including Christmas. Among July’s celestial displays is the Delta Aquariids meteor shower, which typically starts mid-July and sends around 20 “shooting stars” (aka meteoroids) across the sky per hour. Americans across all 50 states are prepping for the Fourth of July and, of course, the rousing celebrations that come with it. Booming fireworks, patriotic parades, and outdoor barbeques have These are the best July 4th trivia facts that you may have not known. Get in the patriotic spirit by learning more about Independence Day!
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