The Fourth of July is approaching, and it's time to start thinking about some interesting ways to commemorate the day. Fortunately, there is plenty to do and learn in the lead-up to July 4th. Here are 13 interesting facts to get you in the vibe for a wonderful holiday celebration, or at the very least, to make you glad to be an American!
Also, HighlyUnique has put together 7 Independence Day T-shirt Collection given that you might want your wardrobe updated with the festive vibe!
13 Interesting Independence Day Facts To Celebrate July 4th
How old is America? I think most of us know the answer to that question but we don't often realize how fascinating history is as reflected in the facts that surround our everyday lives. Learning new things about history will never get boring, and here are 13 interesting facts to celebrate July 4th:
#1. A Federal Paid Holiday
July 4th is the U.S. National Day and the most patriotic day of the year. But it wasn't until 1870 that the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday and in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees.
#2. Statue Of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is America’s symbol of freedom. It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi. This monument honored the United States' centennial of independence and France's friendship with the U.S. The torch represents enlightenment and it lights the path to liberty and freedom. The official name is “Liberty Enlightening the World.” The tablet she is holding has the date July 4, 1776, engraved on it.
#3. American Flag
The current design wasn’t professionally made. Rather, it was a 17-year-old high school student, Robert G. Heft, of Lancaster, Ohio who submitted the design in a contest in 1958. It was chosen out of over 1,500 submissions by President Dwight Eisenhower.
#4. Liberty Bell
On every Fourth of July, at 2pm Eastern time, children who are descendants of Declaration signers symbolically tap the Liberty Bell 13 times while bells across the nation also ring 13 times in honor of the patriots from the original 13 states.
#5. Fireworks
On July 4, 1777, fireworks made their first official appearance. “The evening was completed with the ring of bells, and at night there was a spectacular exhibition of fireworks (which began and ended with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated,” the Pennsylvania Evening Post said. Fireworks have been an important feature of Independence Day celebrations ever since.
#6. Born On The 4th Of July
On July 4th, 1872, President Calvin Coolidge was born, cementing his place in history.
#7. Mount Rushmore
There are 4 Presidents on Mount Rushmore: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Thomas Jefferson was one of those who signed the Declaration of Independence.
#8. Coincidences On The 4th Of July
Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both signed the Declaration of Independence. And they both died on the same day – July 4th.
#9. Road Trip
The first week of July is typically the busiest travel week of the year in the United States. Popular American road trips are The California Coast, Route 66, Black Hills of South Dakota, the Florida Keys, and many more.
#10. Sign Your John Hancock
When someone asks for your John Hancock, it means they want your signature. He was the president of the Continental Congress and the first to sign the Declaration of Independence.
#11. Hot Dog
On Independence Day, Americans consume about 150 million hot dogs, enough to stretch from D.C. to L.A. more than five times.
#12. July 2nd, 1776
Congress officially declared its independence from Britain on July 2nd, 1776. The vote on Richard Henry Lee’s resolution for independence was nearly unanimous. John Adams assisted in the draft of the Declaration of Independence and felt that Independence Day should be celebrated on July 2nd.
#13. August 2nd, 1776
Although it is widely believed that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, Only John Hancock and Charles Thompson signed it on July 4. The rest of the 56 delegates from 13 colonies actually signed the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776, to make it official.
7 Independence Day T-shirt Collection To Update Your Wardrobe
#1. America 1776 Land Of The Free Because Of The Brave, Fourth Of July T-shirt, Independence Day T-shirt
America 1776 Land Of The Free Because Of The Brave, Fourth Of July T-shirt, Independence Day T-shirt
If you're looking for an Independence Day t-shirt to wear on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans' Day, this is the shirt for you! This beautiful tee will let everyone know that you support our troops and pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives for freedom. This shirt is made of 100% cotton and has a comfy fit. It's great for layering up with a jacket or cardigan or wearing by itself on warmer days.
#2. Land Of The Free Home Of The Brave US Flag, Fourth Of July Shirts, Independence Day T-shirt
Land Of The Free Home Of The Brave US Flag, Fourth Of July Shirts, Independence Day T-shirt
There's nothing more American than a good old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration. The fireworks, the barbecues, the good company—it's always a good time. Putting on this Independence Day t-shirt is also a joyful and patriotic way to celebrate the people who make America great!
#3. Happy Independence Day Gift, Home Of The Free Because Of The Brave Shirt, Independence T-shirt, Veteran Gift
Happy Independence Day Gift, Home Of The Free Because Of The Brave, Independence T-shirt
This Fourth of July t-shirt is inspired by the bravery of the men and women in our Armed Forces. This patriotic top is perfect for 4th of July celebrations, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the other days you want to honor the heroes of our country. When you are wearing it at a BBQ party, this shirt will show your support for the people who have sacrificed everything for our freedom!
#4. Land Of The Free Home Of The Brave Grunge Design, Independence Day T-Shirt, Fourth Of July T-shirt
Land Of The Free Home Of The Brave Grunge Design, Independence Day T-shirt, Fourth Of July T-shirt
Whether you're celebrating Memorial Day or Independence Day, this Independence t-shirt is probably a perfect way to show your love for our country! This tee is available in men's, women's, and youth sizes for your comfort. It is also available in a wide variety of colors. Just pick your favorite one and give yourself a new look!
#5. Home Of The Free Because Of The Brave White Shirt, Independence T-shirt, Fourth Of July Shirts, Veteran Gift
What better way to celebrate our nation's independence than with this Independence Day t-shirt! This shirt is perfect for those who love their country and want to show it proudly. Plus, it's a great way to start conversations about what it means to have freedom and the importance of showing respect to our active military members and veterans who fight hard for that freedom every day!
#6. Home Of The Free Because Of The Brave US Flag Shirt, 4th Of July T-shirt, Veteran Gift
Home Of The Free Because Of The Brave US Flag Shirt, 4th Of July T-shirt, Veteran Gift
This Fourth of July t-shirt is to show your love for the brave women and men who keep us safe. We are free thanks to the brave people in our armed forces – women and men who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe and often make the ultimate sacrifice. It's a small thing yet a perfect Independence t-shirt by which you can show them your appreciation!
#7. Home Of The Free Because Of The Brave Independence T-Shirt, 4th Of July T-shirt, Independence Day T-shirt
Source: Amazon
The creative design of the eagle and US flag makes this Independence Day t-shirt easy to pair with your favorite jeans or shorts! It's made of 100% cotton for maximum comfortability. It also makes a perfect veteran gift. This shirt is a great way to say “thank you” to the brave women and men who have served our country.
In General
July 4th is a special day when we celebrate the formation of our country. The holiday gives us a chance to spend time with family and friends, go on barbecues, go to our favorite beach, or recollect the good times of the past.