4th of July Facts

4th of July Facts

1. It was originally called “Unanimous Declaration.”


2. Only one of the 56 people who signed the Declaration of Independence did so on the 4th of July.

- John Hancock was alone in signing the document on July 4.


3. The traditional 13-gun salute symbolizes the 13 colonies that rose up in rebellion against Great Britain.

4. July 4, 1779, a Sunday moved to Monday.


5. Famous personalities born on the fourth of July.

Calvin Coolidge, 30th US president

- Calvin Coolidge, 30th US president; Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter; sisters Abigail van Buren and Ann Landers of “Dear Abbey” fame; playwright Neil Simon; TV icon Geraldo Rivera; legendary Hollywood producer Louis B. Mayer; movie actress Eva Marie Saint ; cartoonist Rube Goldberg; and rock singer John Waite of The Babys.


6. Famous personalities who died on the fourth of July.

Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams

- John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the second and third presidents of the United States, respectively, died on the same day in 1826. Adams reportedly said on his deathbed: “And yet, Thomas Jefferson lives!” he was wrong, Jefferson died ahead of him on that day – America’s 50th anniversary as an independent nation. Eerily, James Monroe, the fifth US president, also died on the 4th of July in 1831.


7. The National Independence-Day parade starts at a specific time.

The National Independence-Day Parade

- The parade begins at 11:45 a.m. on the fourth of July every year on Constitution Ave. starting from 7th St. going to 17th St. in Washington, D.C. Many invited national and foreign dignitaries are present.


8. The fireworks display is hands-down the favorite part of the 4th of July celebrations.

4th of July Fireworks Display

9. Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were given an offer to write the Declaration of Independence but refused.

Benjamin Franklin and John Adams

10. A meal shared by militiamen and French officers was the first-ever authentic celebration of the fourth of July.