4th of July Fun Facts

Learn some 4th of July Fun Facts For Kids of all ages! We're sharing the holiday's history along with some other fun trivia questions and interesting facts.

These 4th of July fun facts are a great way to understand the history of the holiday as well as share some fun trivia with friends and family!

The 4th of July is a special day in American history that we celebrate with joy and excitement. It's a holiday called Independence Day, and it marks the time when the United States became its own country.

We will explore intriguing facts about this historic day, including its origins, significance, and exciting traditions that both kids and adults can enjoy. Let's dive into the fascinating world of the 4th of July Fun Facts!

Before we jump right in, you will not want to miss our July Fun Facts and our 365+ Fun Facts For Kids

Want to save this project?

Enter your email below, and then we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus get awesome new projects from us each week.

What is 4th of July?

The 4th of July is a national holiday celebrated on the date of July 4th each year. It commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a historic document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

This declaration stated that the American colonies were no longer part of Great Britain, but instead formed a sovereign nation called the United States of America.

P.S. - A sovereign nation is like a big group of people who live in a certain area and make their own rules and decisions. They are independent and have the power to govern themselves.

When is 4th of July?

The 4th of July is celebrated on the 4th day of July every year. This date holds significance because it was the day when the Continental Congress officially approved the Declaration of Independence.

It's a time for Americans to come together and honor the brave actions of the founding fathers who fought for freedom and independence. It's often called America's Birthday.

It also falls in the Summer season in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Winter season in the Southern Hemisphere.

Why is it called 4th of July?

The 4th of July is called so simply because it corresponds to the date of the holiday. On that important day in 1776, the Continental Congress made a strong declaration, breaking away from Great Britain.

This declaration led to the birth of the United States of America as an independent state. Consequently, the name itself serves as a reminder of the significant event that forever altered the destiny of our nation.

History of July 4th

The History of July 4th is an exciting tale of bravery and the fight for freedom. It all began when a group of remarkable people called the founding fathers, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and John Hancock, decided that they wanted to create an independent nation.

At that time, the American colonies were ruled by a country called Great Britain, led by King George III. The 13 colonies include Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, as well as Georgia.

The founding fathers believed that the colonies should have their own government and be able to make their own laws. They gathered together in what was known as the Second Continental Congress and formed the U.S. Congress.

One of the most important leaders during this time was George Washington. He was a courageous general who led the American troops in the American Revolutionary War. This war was fought between the colonies and Great Britain, as the colonists fought for their freedom and independence. It was a long and difficult battle, but eventually, the colonies emerged victorious.

On July 4th, 1776, the Second Continental Congress declared that the colonies were no longer part of Great Britain. They signed a document called the Declaration of Independence, which stated that the colonies were now an independent nation. This was a significant moment in history because it marked the birth of the United States of America.

When Did the 4th of July Become a Holiday?

The 4th of July became a special holiday in the United States over 200 years ago. On June 28, 1870, a law was passed to make the 4th of July an official holiday for all federal employees. This meant that people who worked for the government got the day off to celebrate.

In 1941, President Calvin Coolidge and the U.S. Congress declared the 4th of July a national holiday. This was a big deal because it meant that the entire country could celebrate this important day together.

Now, every year on July 4th, we come together as a nation to have fun, watch fireworks, and remember the birth of our independence.

Fourth of July Facts For Kids

Rhode Island was the first state to celebrate the 4th of July as a holiday way back in 1777.
Massachusetts was the first state to recognize July 4th as an official holiday in 1781.
The oldest Independence Day celebration in the United States was in 1785 in Bristol, Rhode Island. The town of Bristol now starts its celebration on Flag Day, June 14th through to the 4th of July. They have all kinds of patriotic fun with parades, live music as well as different foods.
The first Fourth of July celebration to take place at the White House, was in 1801, by President Thomas Jefferson.

American Flag Facts

The American flag has evolved over time. Initially, the flag had 13 stars and 13 stripes representing the original 13 colonies. As new states joined the Union, stars and stripes were added, with the current design of 50 stars representing each state.
According to legend, Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, played a role in designing and sewing the first American flag. Although historical evidence is limited, her story has become an enduring part of flag folklore.
In 1777, the Continental Congress passed the Flag Act, establishing the design of the flag with its stars and stripes. This act set the foundation for the flag we know today.
Captain William Driver, a sea captain from Massachusetts, named his flag "Old Glory" in 1831. The term became synonymous with the American flag and symbolized patriotism and national pride.
The flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that would later become the lyrics of the U.S. national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." Key witnessed the flag still waving after a British attack during the War of 1812.
The folding of the American flag is a ceremonial tradition. The flag is folded in a precise manner, symbolizing different aspects such as honor, remembrance, and the principles on which the nation was founded.
Flag Day is celebrated on June 14th each year. It commemorates the adoption of the flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777 and honors the significance of the flag as a symbol of the United States.

Don't miss our American Flag Coloring Page

Liberty Bell Facts

The Liberty Bell is a famous symbol of freedom in the United States. The bell was made in London, England, and was brought to Philadelphia in 1752. It was placed in the Pennsylvania State House, which is now known as Independence Hall. The bell became known as the Liberty Bell because it was rung to announce important events and to gather people for meetings about freedom.

The Liberty Bell became even more famous during the American Revolutionary War. On July 8, 1776, the bell was rung to announce the reading of the Declaration of Independence. People were so excited about the idea of independence that they rang the bell so hard that it cracked! Since then, the bell has become a symbol of freedom and has inspired people worldwide.

Today, the Liberty Bell is displayed in a special building near Independence Hall in Philadelphia. People from all over come to see it and learn about its history. It reminds us of the importance of freedom and the brave actions taken by our ancestors. So, the next time you see a picture of the Liberty Bell, remember its story and the values it represents.

There was a tradition of the descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence tapping the Liberty Bell on the Fourth of July. It began in the early 20th century and continued for several decades. The practice has since been discontinued to ensure the preservation and protection of the historic bell.

The last time the bell rang was in 1846 on George Washington's birthday in February.

Fourth of July Parades

Longest Parade: The Bristol Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island, holds the record for being the oldest continuous Independence Day parade in the United States. It has been celebrated annually since 1785, making it the longest-running July 4th parade in the country.
Oldest Parade: The oldest recorded Independence Day parade took place in Philadelphia in 1788, just 12 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It featured marching soldiers, cannons, and festive music to commemorate the nation's independence.
Shortest Parade: In Aptos, California, there is a unique tradition known as the "World's Shortest Parade." Held on Soquel Drive, the parade route measures just 0.6 miles in length. Despite its short distance, the parade is filled with enthusiasm and includes vibrant floats, marching bands, and local community members.
Unusual Parade Themes: Some July 4th parades have unique themes that add an extra touch of creativity. For example, Santa Clara, California hosts the "All-City Picnic and Parade," where participants dress up as fruits and vegetables to celebrate the region's agricultural heritage.
Presidential Appearances: Over the years, several U.S. Presidents have participated in July 4th parades. For instance, President Calvin Coolidge walked in a parade in 1926, and President Harry S. Truman rode in a parade in 1951, both in Washington, D.C.
Spectacular Fireworks Displays: While not part of the parade itself, many July 4th celebrations culminate with grand fireworks displays.

4th of July Fireworks

Fireworks displays are a common sight during the 4th of July celebrations. The American Pyrotechnics Association estimates that around 14,000 fireworks displays light up the sky across the country. Spectacular shows of colorful bursts and sparkling lights create a mesmerizing experience for all

John Adams is credited with adding fireworks to the 4th of July celebrations. One year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, he suggested in a letter to his wife that there should be "illuminations" at the celebration.
The origins of fireworks can be traced back to ancient China, where they were invented around 2,000 years ago. The Chinese used fireworks for celebrations, festivals, and even military purposes. The art of pyrotechnics eventually made its way to Europe and then to the United States.
Fireworks have become a powerful symbol of the American spirit and the celebration of independence. The bursts of light and color in the sky evoke a sense of joy, freedom, and unity among the people.

The famous line from the U.S. national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," refers to the awe-inspiring sight of fireworks during the War of 1812. The song describes the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore by the British navy, and the "rocket's red glare" is believed to have inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that would later become the anthem.
One of the most famous is the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks in New York City, which features stunning pyrotechnics synchronized with music and attracts millions of spectators. and uses more than 75,000 fireworks shells and costs about $6 million

4th of July Food Facts

The 4th of July is synonymous with backyard barbecues and picnics. Families and friends gather to enjoy delicious food, including classic American favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, as well as apple pie. There are some fun facts about some of our favorite 4th of July Foods!

There are roughly 150 million hot dogs consumed in America each 4th of July. Los Angeles is the city that eats the most. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, the number of hot dogs can stretch from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles more than five time
Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is held every Fourth of July in Coney Island, New York. Joey Chestnut won that national hot dog eating contest in 2022 for the 15th time by eating 63 hot dogs. That is a lot of hot dogs!
Furthermore, eating Salmon is a traditional 4th of July food in New England. Moreover, it is believed that John and his wife Abigail Adams indulged in Salmon, Green Peas, and Turtle Soup on July 4th.

Fun President Facts on July 4th

President Calvin Coolidge, the country's 30th president, was the only president born on the fourth of July - July 4th, 1872.
Three of the Founding Fathers who were also presidents, died on July 4. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. President James Monroe died on July 4, 1831.
John Adams thought that Independence Day was going to be July 2nd. The second Continent Congress voted for Independence Day on July 2nd, but the final copy wasn't signed until August 2, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was dated July 4th, and that is what stuck.
President Zachary Taylor, our 12th president, died in 1850 after eating spoiled fruit at a July 4 celebration.
George Washington gave his soldiers a double ration of rum on the 4th of July, in 1778. I think he would be a fan of our Red, White, and Blue Sangria!

Don't miss our How to Draw George Washington!

What You Didn't Know About the 4th of July?

The One World Trade Center in New York stands tall at a height of 1,776 feet, symbolically and poignantly honoring the year when the U.S. boldly declared its independence from Britain.
Remarkably, John Hancock's signature on the Declaration of Independence is the largest, serving as a bold testament to his commitment to the cause.
Surprisingly, there are 31 towns in the U.S. that proudly incorporate the word "liberty" as part of their names, highlighting their dedication to freedom and independence.
Fascinatingly, as reported by the History Channel, in 1776, some of the colonists went to great lengths by staging mock funerals for King George III. This creative act not only expressed their newfound sense of freedom and detachment from British rule, but it also served as a powerful symbol of their defiance and determination.

4th of July Symbols

Interestingly, Uncle Sam is a symbol often associated with the United States. He represents the U.S. government and is depicted as a tall, bearded man dressed in red, white, and blue. It is believed that the origin of this symbol dates back to the War of 1812 when barrels of meat stamped with "U.S." were jokingly linked to a meat packer named Samuel Wilson, who was nicknamed Uncle Sam.
Surprisingly, Uncle Sam's iconic top hat has its own historical significance. The design of the hat is inspired by the headgear worn by soldiers during the War of 1812. With its tall, cylindrical shape and patriotic colors, the hat has become a recognizable symbol of American patriotism.
Incredibly, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States. It was dedicated in 1886 and has since become a symbol of freedom and democracy. Lady Liberty holds a torch and wears a crown with seven spikes, representing the seven continents. The statue stands proudly in New York Harbor, welcoming immigrants and serving as a symbol of hope and liberty.
The majestic bald eagle is the national bird and a symbol of the United States. Notably, the eagle represents strength, courage, and freedom. It was chosen as a national symbol in 1782 because of its impressive appearance and its connection to the American Revolutionary War. The eagle is often seen on the Great Seal of the United States and various patriotic emblems.

Fun 4th of July Activities

The 4th of July is such a fun time for the whole family, and moreover, there are all kinds of 4th of July fun for kids. From engaging crafts to exciting games, captivating coloring pages, as well as inspiring art projects, there's something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate America's birthday in style.

4th of July Printables

Elevate your 4th of July celebration with our fantastic collection of 4th of July printables. From coloring pages to word searches, these engaging activities, in addition to entertaining kids, will also educate them about the history and significance of Independence Day.

We highlighted these Holiday Facts along with some other fun kid's crafts in our Summer Crafts along with our 101+ Easy Craft Ideas for kids.

Download Free 4th of July Facts Infographic

Enter your first name and email address to download the free 4th of July Facts pdf file.

*For personal use only

Happy 4th of July!

CONNECT WITH MADE WITH HAPPY!

Be sure to follow me on social media, so you never miss a post!

Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest | Instagram