10 Hidden 4th of July Facts That Will Blow Your Mind

The Continental Congress actually declared independence on July 2, 1776, but the final wording of the Declaration was approved on July 4th.

Independence Day Wasn't Always Celebrated on July 4th

The first U.S. flag featured a circle of 13 stars to symbolize the unity of the original 13 colonies.

The Original Flag Had a Unique Design

Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, two signers of the Declaration of Independence, died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the document was signed.

Jefferson and Adams Died on July 4th

Despite the legend, the Liberty Bell likely didn’t ring on July 4, 1776. Historians believe it was rung on July 8th to mark the first public reading of the Declaration.

The Liberty Bell Wasn't Rung on July 4th

It took nearly a century for the U.S. Congress to declare July 4th a federal holiday in 1870, and it became a paid federal holiday in 1941.

The Fourth of July Wasn't a Federal Holiday Until 1870

Most of the delegates didn’t sign the Declaration until August 2, 1776. Only a few signed it on July 4th.

The Declaration of Independence Wasn't Signed on July 4th

Besides Jefferson and Adams, James Monroe also died on July 4, in 1831.

Three Presidents Have Died on July 4th

The 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, was born on July 4, 1872.

Calvin Coolidge Was Born on July 4th

The Philippines gained independence from the U.S. on July 4, 1946, and celebrated it as their Independence Day until 1962.

The Philippines Celebrates July 4th as Republic Day

Despite the patriotic celebrations, the majority of fireworks used in the U.S. are imported from China.

The U.S. Imports Most of Its Fireworks