Results: 10 unusual facts about the Fourth of July
1.
1.
Most of us know about the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War, but July 4 itself has a pretty interesting 240-year history. Here's some fascinating facts you probably didn't know about the famous holiday. What facts are you familiar with (section one)?
Only two people actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4: John Hancock and Charles Thomson, secretary of Congress. Most of the others signed on August 2.
17%
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372 votes
Not everyone was on board with celebrating on July 4, the day Congress approved the Declaration. John Adams wanted to celebrate on July 2, the day Congress voted for independence.
11%
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237 votes
One US president, Calvin Coolidge, was born on July 4. So were Nathaniel Hawthorne, Neil Simon, George Steinbrenner, and Malia Obama.
9%
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195 votes
Three US presidents have died on July 4 — John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe. In a bizarre twist of fate, Adams and Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the country they helped found.
14%
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312 votes
On July 4, 1778, George Washington ordered a double ration of rum for his soldiers to celebrate the holiday.
7%
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151 votes
all
6%
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140 votes
none
60%
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1330 votes
2.
2.
What facts are you familiar with (section two)?
July 4 wasn't deemed a federal holiday until 1870, nearly 100 years after the nation was founded.
10%
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222 votes
Fireworks have been a major part of Fourth of July since the earliest celebrations. In 1884, miners blew up the post office in Swan, Colorado, because it wasn't supplied with fireworks.
11%
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247 votes
The Philippines gained their own independence from the US on July 4, 1946 by signing the Treaty of Manila.
7%
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152 votes
Other countries — including Denmark, England, Norway, Portugal and Sweden — celebrate the Fourth of July because many of their citizens moved to the US or simply to attract American tourists.
6%
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134 votes
Americans consume around 155 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July each year. They also spend $92 million on chips, $167.5 million on watermelon, and $341.4 million on beer.
12%
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266 votes
all
5%
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121 votes
none
64%
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1419 votes
3.
3.
How will you be celebrating the 4th of July this year?
Outdoor BBQ's with family and friends to cook burgers, hot dogs and steaks, drink beer, hang out.
22%
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485 votes
Go to a July 4th parade to watch marching veterans, police officers, ect.
5%
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109 votes
Purchase and light off smaller, "backyard" fireworks during the day or evening.
5%
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120 votes
Going to a public fireworks display in the evening.
12%
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263 votes
Picnic in the park.
4%
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84 votes
Have a 4th of July block party.
3%
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75 votes
Going to the lake (boating).
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52 votes
Hang up an American flag.
8%
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173 votes
Go see a blockbuster movie.
1%
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32 votes
Enjoying the day off from work.
13%
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294 votes
nothing or not applicable
51%
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1119 votes
Other (please specify)
3%
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59 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
| 0.42% | 12 | |
| working | 0.21% | 6 |
| I'm Canadian | 0.10% | 3 |
| Na | 0.07% | 2 |
| N/A | 0.07% | 2 |
| relaxing with family | 0.03% | 1 |
| non-block-buster movie! | 0.03% | 1 |
| going to the beach | 0.03% | 1 |
| Watch the illegal fireworks in my neighborhood. | 0.03% | 1 |
| I will be working. Domestic Violence Counselors don't have days off. | 0.03% | 1 |
| watch fireworks on tv and out our windows. the neighbors set them off even though it is illegal | 0.03% | 1 |
| by wishing my daughter "happy birthday" | 0.03% | 1 |
| recovering from surgery | 0.03% | 1 |
| Pool | 0.03% | 1 |
| Working....somebody has to | 0.03% | 1 |
| staying home cuddling with my hubby watch it on TV | 0.03% | 1 |
| Wearing my American colors, all day!! | 0.03% | 1 |
| spend day with companion and dogs | 0.03% | 1 |
| Yard work, and visiting friends | 0.03% | 1 |
| relaxing at home | 0.03% | 1 |
| Watching festivities on TV | 0.03% | 1 |
| drinking | 0.03% | 1 |
| family dinner | 0.03% | 1 |
| fuck you | 0.03% | 1 |
| swimming | 0.03% | 1 |
| I will be selling fireworks. | 0.03% | 1 |
| eating hamburgers, watching the DVD of "Independence Day", and watching fireworks from out front porch | 0.03% | 1 |
| I'm Canadian. How did you celebrate Canada Day? | 0.03% | 1 |
| Going to work | 0.03% | 1 |
| not American. | 0.03% | 1 |
| watch events on TV | 0.03% | 1 |
| Going to a concert | 0.03% | 1 |
| parade | 0.03% | 1 |
| canadian | 0.03% | 1 |
| work on projects | 0.03% | 1 |
| Concert | 0.03% | 1 |
| BASEBALL | 0.03% | 1 |
| Pot luck at church | 0.03% | 1 |
| Beach | 0.03% | 1 |
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