Fireworks shows, blow-out backyard barbecues, and cannonballs off the diving board are just some of the hallmarks of a typical Independence Day celebration.
This year is a little different. Some fireworks displays are canceled due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, and social distancing discourages big bashes. But we all need a bit of celebrating right now and there are still lots of ways to enjoy the July 4th holiday, whatever mode of quarantine you are practicing.
4th of July Facts
1. The Declaration of Independence was not signed on July 4, 1776. That's actually the day it was formally adopted by the Continental Congress, but it wasn't signed by most signatories until August.
2. American typically eat 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day, "enough to stretch from D.C. to L.A. more than five times," according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.
3. Three presidents have died on July 4: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe.
4. John Adams believed that American independence should be celebrated on July 2, as that's the actual day the Continental Congress voted for independence in 1776.
5. Annoyed that Independence Day wasn't celebrated on July 2, Adams reportedly turned down invitations to July 4 celebrations throughout his life.
6. Massachusetts became the first state to make the 4th of July an official state holiday in 1781.
7. President Zachary Taylor died in 1850 after eating spoiled fruit at a July 4 celebration.
Wishing you all a safe and fun Fourth of July Celebration.
