This Day in History July 4, 1776 (Ultimate Blog Challenge Day 3)

By Ruth on July 4, 2013 in American history, Challenge, history

As most people know, it was this date in 1776, that America became a country. It is our Independence Day.

What I would like to do is share some little known fact concerning this date. I am always appalled at how much is not known (especially by school kids) concerning this day. I am also using this for Ultimate Blog Post today even though I am a day behind.

1. Independence Day has only been a federal holiday since 1941.

2. The Declaration of Independence was originally adopted by Congress on July 2, 1776, but it was revised and officially adopted on July 4.

3. President Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4, and Presidents John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison passed away on July 4 (Adams and Jefferson within hours of each other on the same date in 1826).

4. It is estimated that 150 million hot dogs will be consumed by Americans today.

5. John Trumbull’s famous painting (featured below) was supposed to include all 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, but only 42 are featured since not all signed the document at once.

6. There are 31 places all over the U.S. that bear the name Liberty in some form or fashion.

7. Most probably know this, but the original complaint against the British from the colonists was taxation without representation.

8. The first celebration of Independence Day was on July 8, 1776.

9. The Liberty Bell was what sounded during that first celebration to call everyone together for the first official reading of the Declaration of Independence.

10. The first public white house celebration was in 1804.

Hopefully you have learned something by reading this. I look forward to any comments you may have. Feel free to share your own Independence Day trivia!

For more info:

http://www.purpletrail.com/partytrail/holiday_parties/fourth_of_july/4th_of_july_history_trivia_and_facts

http://www.livescience.com/14888-10-4th-july-facts-patriotism.html

http://www.karlonia.com/2009/07/04/july-4th-independence-day-trivia/

http://www.aiuniv.edu/Student-Life/Blog/July-2012/Facts-About-Independence-Day

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RuthView all posts by Ruth

“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka Ruth is an inspirational entertainment journalist who instinctively sees the best in all and seeks to share universal beauty, love and positivity. She is an artist who leads with her heart and gives readers a glimpse of the best of this world through the masterful use of the written word. Ruth was born in Tacoma, Washington but now calls Yelm, Washington her home. She lives on five acres with her parents, a dog, two miniature goats, cats and a teenage daughter who is a dynamic visual artist herself. Ruth interviews fellow artists both inside and outside of the film/television industry. At the core of all she does is the strength of her faith.

Tags: American history, Challenge, history, Independence Day

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7 Comments

Christine July 28, 2013 Reply

I LOVE THIS! If you’re interested in more Independence Day trivia, I have a quiz on my blog. Stop by http://www.weartostandout.com/blog/independence-day-quiz and let me know how you did. xoxo, WearToStandOut
- Author
  
  Ruth July 28, 2013 Reply
  
  Thanks for the invite to the quiz–I got them all right!
Rita Wray July 4, 2013 Reply

Thank you for the great post. Happy 4th of July.
Laura Servey July 4, 2013 Reply

Great info about today especially since in 10 years, they will probably strip the rest of it out of history text books.
Laura Servey recently posted…Top 3 Reasons to Love Teamwork
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  Ruth July 4, 2013 Reply
  
  I actually tend to agree with you. It is abyssmal what is happening to the education of our kids. I always loved history, and I struggle to understand why the kids don’t like it and why the teachers don’t want to teach it and why our governement doesn’t care!
Kate Eileen Shannon July 4, 2013 Reply

Interesting to know. And you enjoy your 4th.
Kate Eileen Shannon recently posted…SAY IT WITH AUTHORITY
Loretta July 4, 2013 Reply

I love your blog post today! We should all know our history! I love reading it over and over!!! Thank you!
Loretta recently posted…Happy Independence Day!