Interesting Facts About July 4th

June 25, 2019

The Fourth of July is a day of joy and celebration across the United States. Here’s some fun facts about Independence Day.

1. The Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, however, the signing date is disputed by many historians. Some state it was signed on August 2, 1776.
2. On July 4, 1778, George Washington ordered a double ration of rum for his soldiers to celebrate.
3. Only two signers of the Declaration of Independence served as President –  John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Both men died on July 4, 1826.
4. Congress declared July 4th as an official holiday in 1870, Christmas was also recognized as a holiday that year.
5. The United States celebrated its 200th anniversary in 1976. The U.S. Mint produced special half dollar coins and quarters, a navy of tall ships docked in New York and Boston, and a covered wagon traversed the continent during the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage. To start America’s third century, President Gerald Ford lit the third lantern at Boston’s Old North Church.
6. In 1979, Congress designated Seward as “America’s Official Fourth of July City-Small Town USA.” The small town of 6,000 swells to over 40,000 revelers during the holiday celebrations.
7. The shortest 4^th of July parade is held in Aptos, California. The route is only two city blocks.
8. The largest fireworks show is the Macy’s show in New York City.
9. Americans consume around 155 million hot dogs each Fourth of July. They also spend $92 million on chips, $167.5 million on watermelon, and $341.4 million on beer.
10. Notable people born on July 4 include; author Nathaniel Hawthorne – 1804; President Calvin Coolidge – 1872; former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner – 1930; Television personality Geraldo Rivera – 1943.

Everyone at Scale Funding would like to wish you and your family a safe, enjoyable fourth of July.