Editor’s note: This story originally appeared in our 2020 fourth of July issue. It is republished here with updates.
Compiled by Mark Videan. Photo by Susan Hintz.
This Fourth of July marks America’s 246th birthday. AAA estimates nearly 47.9 million of us traveled over 50 miles from home to celebrate. This year, with airline delays and cancellations, reports of coronavirus still lurking at large gatherings and other news, we need an extra dose of fun. Here are 13 fun facts, one for each of the original colonies, about the red, white and blue holiday.
① In July 1776, there were about 2.5 million U. S. residents. Today, there are over 330 million.
② Fifty-six men from 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence.
③ Only John Hancock actually signed on the fourth. All the others signed later.
④ The oldest Fourth of July parade was held in Bristol, Rhode Islandoldes, in 1785.
⑤ The White House held its first July 4 party in 1801.
⑥ We have had 27 versions of official U. S. flags; only the number of stars changed each time.
⑦ The 13 stars on the original flag were in a circle, so all the colonies would appear equal.
⑧ About 60% of Americans own an American flag.
⑨ Annual imports of American flags (mostly from China) are over $54 million.
⑩ Nearly 150 million hot dogs are eaten each Fourth of July.
⑪ It is our nation’s top beer-drinking holiday, with over $1 billion worth of sales.
⑫ Americans spend about $6.8 billion on food for the fourth.
⑬ Every Fourth of July, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped (not rung) 13 times.
Have a safe holiday, everyone!
