Independence Day

On July 4 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed and for the most part was written by Thomas Jefferson. The 13 colonies were essentially set free from British control and were on the road to a sovereign nation. The 4th of July is the most American of all holidays. We mark the day with fireworks, parades and backyard barbecues.

Did You Know?
a.. In July of 1776 the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation was 2.5 million.

b.. Today there are 302 million.

c.. The first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence was the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6, 1776.

d.. On July 8, 1776 the Declaration had it's first public reading in Philadelphia's Independence Square.

e.. The first Independence Day celebration took place the following year - July 4, 1777.

f.. The official recognition of America as a nation didn't come until 1783, when peace was made in Paris. Thus the United States of America came into existence with a union of 13 thirteen sovereign states from Main to Georgia.

g.. The 4th of July wasn't declared a legal holiday until 1941.

h.. The estimated amount of hot dogs eaten by Americans on the Fourth of July is 150 million.

i.. Approximately 74 million Americans participated in a Fourth of July barbecue in 2006.

j.. The fireworks imported from China into the United States were valued at $216 million in 2006.

Have a Happy 4th of July!

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