King George III had no idea what he was getting into when he decided to deny colonists basic rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In honor of George III’s miscalculation, Americans celebrate life and liberty while pursuing happiness and sharing fun facts every 4th of July.
Q: In what states are you most likely to find Liberty?
A: There are thirty U.S. cities with the name Liberty. The largest is in Missouri. Iowa has Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty, and West Liberty.
Q: Where might one find Independence?
A: Eleven U.S. cities contain the name Independence. The largest is Independence, Missouri, with over 100,000 residents.
Q: Where might one find Freedom?
A: There are five U.S. cities that contain Freedom. The largest is Freedom, California, with just over 6,000 residents.
Q: Where could you find a Patriot?
A: Patriot, Indiana, has a population of just over 200 freedom-loving Americans.
Q: Where might one find the national symbol?
A: Thirty U.S. cities contain the world Eagle. The largest is Eagle Pass, Texas, with over 25,000 residents.
Q: What would be a good state to find an American?
A: There are five U.S. cities containing the name American. American Fork, Utah (right next to Spanish Fork), is the largest with just over 20,000 residents.
Q: What is the 4th of July’s most popular food?
A: Americans eat an estimated 150 million hot dogs on July 4, many of which are consumed at Nathan’s Coney Island hot dog-eating contest where the winner regularly consumes over 50 hot dogs.
Q: Where is the most popular eating location on the 4th of July?
A: Your neighborhood-- there are approximately 75 million barbecues held on July 4.
Q: Where do most 4th of July fireworks originate?
A: The United States imports over $200 million worth of fireworks each year from China.
Q: How much is spent on flags?
A: Patriots spend approximately $3 million dollars on flags each year, most of which are made in China.
Q: What was the United States’ population on July 4, 1776?
A: When the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, the population of the newly formed nation was just over 2.5 million. There are now over 300 million reaping the benefits of that momentous document.
Q: What’s the most popular 4th of July side dish?
A: Baked beans, about one-third of which come from North Dakota. Potato salad and corn on the cob are other popular Independence Day dishes.
Q: When did Independence Day become an official holiday?
A: Although it had been celebrated for over a century, Independence Day did not become an official holiday until 1941.
Q: What other momentous events occurred on July 4?
A: On July 4, 1848, the cornerstone to the Washington Monument was laid; on July 4, 1817, the construction of the Erie Canal began.
Q: What famous Americans were born on July 4?
A: July 4 birthdays include Stephen Foster, George Steinbrenner, Calvin Coolidge, and Neil Simon.
Q: What are some popular 4th of July destinations?
A: Millions of Americans visit national and state parks each 4th of July.
Q: How many delegates signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4?
A: Opinions vary. The common assumption is that only John Hancock signed on the 4th of July and that the remainder of the Continental Congress signed on August 2.
Q: What U.S. presidents died on July 4?
A: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, bitter political enemies, both died on July 4, 1826. James Monroe died five years later on the same date.
Q: Why is John Hancock’s signature so large?
A: Some claim it’s because he was the first to sign and had no model to follow. It is more likely that he was taunting King George III.
Q: Which American pop star should not be asked to sing the National Anthem at your Independence Day barbecue?
A: You can invite Christina Aguilera, but don’t have her sing the anthem. (She messed it up at Super Bowl XLV.)
Show up to your next barbecue armed with patriotic zeal and fun facts about the 4th of July.
