Independence Day Fun Facts

Independence Day commemorates the day America declared its 13 colonies to be independent states and no longer a part of the British Empire.  On this day our forefathers formed a new nation known as The United States of America.  The Declaration has been referenced thousands of times by countless leaders and well-known figures in many monumental and famous speeches throughout the years.  This document is our foundation even today and is used to interpret many discrepancies and challenges that we face as a nation.  It is referenced by lawmakers and dignitaries, young people and old, women and men, wealthy and the downtrodden alike.  We have our differences that at times seem as though they divide our great nation in and amongst itself.  We are an imperfect people who to this day still try to live by the words written on that parchment so long ago.  Despite our many differences, this week we celebrate the one thing we all have in common as Americans…our independence.

In this spirit of celebrating this great privilege of independence that eludes many nations across the globe, this week’s blog is all about Independence trivia.

Did you know:

1. There are 16 cities in the US named Independence
2.  The United States declared itself an independent nation on July 2^nd not July 4^th.  The Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration on July 4^th.
3. Two future presidents who both signed the Declaration of Independence, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both died on the 50th anniversary of signing the Declaration (July 4, 1826)
4. In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday.
5. The first printed copies of the Declaration of Independence are known as the Dunlap broadside.
6. There are 26 copies of the Declaration of Independence remaining in the United States that were printed on July 4^th 1776.  Most reside in museums and libraries with the exception of three which are privately owned.
7. There is a handprint on the bottom left corner of the Declaration

So as you celebrate your independence this weekend by eating hot dogs and watching fireworks, you can impress your friends and family with these fun facts, about Independence Day!