Fun Fourth Of July Trivia That Every American Should Know
There are many interesting Fourth of July facts that every American should be aware of, in addition to the holiday's fascinating history. Here are some noteworthy examples to remember:
On July 4, 1777, Philadelphia hosted the first Independence Day celebration.
The second president of the United States and a Founding Father named John Adams was adamant that July 2nd should be observed as Independence Day. He was so convinced that July 2nd should be the exact date that he even refused to go to Fourth of July celebrations.
During the summer of 1776, several colonists commemorated Independence Day by staging mock funerals for King George III of England, signifying the end of the Crown's control over the United States.
The first president to observe Independence Day at the White House was Thomas Jefferson in 1801. Similar to present Fourth of July celebrations, the event included horse racing, parades, food, and spirits.
The Fourth of July has been observed annually since 1776, although it wasn't recognized as a federal holiday until 1870. Additionally, it wasn't until 1941 that federal workers were granted a paid holiday.
These interesting facts are what our history has been built upon. Knowing our past will pave a brighter future. Happy Independence Day to all heartfelt Americans, regardless of race or social class.