- Because everyone agrees that the 4th of July is the best summer holiday, right?
The best summer holiday of them all is next week and these July 4th fun facts will remind us why it’s so great! Is this holiday your favorite holiday, too?
- The colonies established independence when King George III ruled in England.
- King George III declared the colonies “in a state of rebellion” when William Penn brought over a petition seeking independence for the Colonies.
- The first battles in the American revolution were the battles of Lexington and Concord.
- The “shot heard around the world” happened on April 19th, 1775.
- The largest display of fireworks in the world is in New York City, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. Did you know this as one of the July 4th Fun Facts?
- Yep! The “shot heard around the world” took place on April 19, 1775, ultimately starting the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the American War of Independence in general. Crazy to think it was all those years ago.
- The Treaty of Paris officiated American independence.
- The American Revolution didn’t officially end until September 3rd, 1783 and the Treaty of Paris was signed.
- The Treaty of Paris is what officiated American independence.
- It’s been said there are 200 original printed copies of the Declaration of Independence.
- It’s not ok to wear the American flag as a clothing article and is technically a violation.
- The youngest person to sign the Declaration of Independence was Edward Rutledge.
- The average age of a man that signed the Declaration of Independence was 45 years old.
- The term “Founding Fathers” was created by Warren G. Harding.
- Aptos, California wins for the shortest 4th of July parade, that takes up only about two city blocks and totals just over half a mile long.
- Americans spend billions of dollars on food for the 4th of July alone. Did you know this as one of the July 4th fun facts?
- In 2023 it was predicted that Americans would spend about $9.5 billion on food for their parties!
- On the 4th of July, the Liberty Bell is tapped 13 times, a tradition created as a way to honor the first 13 colonies.
- The Liberty Bell is tapped 13 times on July 4th.
- Massachusetts was the first state to celebrate July 4th as an official state holiday. New England made it official on July 3rd, 1781.
- The famous hot dog-eating contest is held on Coney island every year on the 4th of July. If you can’t make it out in person, you can still watch it live on tv from your very own home.
- Joey Chestnut currently holds the title of hot dog-eating world champ after eating 76 hot dogs and buns in the 2021 competition.
- The United States flag has been seen in 27 different versions throughout the years. The original had 13 stars and stripes to represent the colonies while the current flag has 50 stars and 13 stripes. This is one of the more well known July 4th fun facts.
- The first person to sign the Declaration of Independence was none other than John Hancock.
- Apple pie has been a staple American dessert since the 1700s. Dutch and German immigrants were the first to preserve apples and make homemade pie crust here in the United States.
- The longest running 4th of July parade is held in Bristol, Rhode Island. It dates back to 1785 and is considered the older annual celebration of the 4th of July to date.
- To correctly fold an American flag, you must fold it into the shape of a triangle.
- Betsy Ross is often credited with being the first person to sew the American flag, but it’s not actually known who did the very first sewing of the flag. Many believe that the flag was first sewn by Betsy Ross at the request of General George Washington.
Let me know what you think of these fun facts in the comments! And watch for a part two!