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It can be said that American history begins on July 4, 1776. The events that occurred on this day, however, cannot represent the entire spectrum of history associated with this special day. Don’t just bring the best dessert to this year’s Fourth of July party. Drop some of these facts to impress the holiday crowd.
The Following Founders
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams shared many common adventures. Both were founders, both were presidents, both conducted political diplomacy in France, and both died in patriotic fashion. On July 4, 1826, the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams said these words before passing away:
“Thomas Jefferson survives.”
Actually, Jefferson died on the exact same day, five hours earlier. While the two passed in friendship after years of political differences, maybe this was Jefferson’s final attempt at discrediting the statement of his former political opponent. John Adams’ final words were, in fact, very false.
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Also Adams John Adams didn’t just help create the reason for the Fourth of July holiday, he was also one of the first Founding Fathers to suggest fireworks. In a letter to his wife, which is now a part of the United States’ national archives, he writes:
“It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of the Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
While many of us can admit to not knowing if his “shew” wishes were carried out, it is plain to see that Adams received his wish for an illuminated sky.
Late to the Party
While the common folk of the United States had been celebrating the Fourth of July for many years, the United States Congress didn’t officially jump on board until after the Civil War. In 1870, Congress officially approved the Fourth of July as a federal holiday. The years it took to pass this was not at all a slight against this very important day. Congress included a list of holidays at this same time that were to be federally recognized, and the Fourth of July was just one of them. Christmas was also included on the list. Both holidays were already the two most celebrated among the people in the United States, when Congress made it official.
The Chinese Connection
Since the United States is made up of people from every part of the world, it is not surprising that other countries have their fingerprints in the United States’ celebration of independence. China receives a tremendous financial benefit from U.S. customers around this time of year. According to the United Nations, China was the main exporter of fireworks to the United States. The country made approximately $843 million in fireworks sales. The second largest exporter, Germany, only represents an eighth of this amount. China’s sales don’t end at fireworks. More than 70 percent of American flags used in the summer celebration were sold by China.
Bad History
Everyone knows that the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, right? I mean … everyone has seen the painting of this historic event. Actually, the crowd in attendance this day was much smaller than how it was depicted. The only person to sign the declaration on this actual day was John Hancock. This may explain the enormous size of his signature, because all other signers put their John Hancock’s on the document at a later date. Both news and travel were slow, so the chances of anyone arriving at the exact same time were pretty slim. Also, most the founders had become wanted men by this time and needed to travel in secret to avoid arrest.
Meat the Cooks
Not every Independence Day fact involves the Founding Fathers or fireworks. Food is just as important as flags and freedom. Cooking on the grill is a favorite Fourth of July activity, so it is no surprise the most consumed foods are all meat. Hamburgers, steak, hot dogs and chicken are the most reported consumed food on this holiday. Almost 150 million hot dogs are eaten on this day alone, and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 25 percent of these come from the State of Iowa.
A Toast to the Founders
Alcoholic beverages are consumed by many Americans on the Fourth of July, but this isn’t a new custom. George Washington gave his men extra rum on this holiday, while he was still commander of the Continental Army. Americans have proudly continued to this tradition, as they consume more alcohol on this day than any other day of the year. According to WalletHub, Americans will spend more than $1.5 billion dollars on beer and wine for the 2021 holiday. This surpasses the amount Americans spend on fireworks.
Stay Safe
As you take these fun facts to your holiday gathering, remember the most important fact about this holiday: According to the National Safety Agency, more than 400 deaths and 50,000 injuries occur in automobile accidents on the Fourth of July. Also around this holiday, an average of 200-plus people visit emergency rooms daily across the country due to fireworks accidents. The best piece of knowledge to have this Independence Day is to stay safe
