10 Fun Facts About U.S. Independence Day

  • July 2, 2014
  • |
  • Blog

North Charleston’s 4th of July Festival – Photo via Flickr

This Friday Americans will celebrate their country’s independence with barbeques, parades and fireworks! But the 4th of July is more than just a summertime celebration with family and friends. We’ve compiled our favorite Independence Day fun facts just for you! Take a look at the list below and share with your friends!

Did You Know?

  • Approximately 150 million hot dogs and 700 million pounds of chicken are consumed on this day.
  • Every 4th of July the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped (not actually rung) 13 times in honor of the original 13 colonies.
  • The White House held its first 4th of July party in 1801.
  • The first week of July is typically the busiest travel week of the year in the United States.
  • The value of American flag imports in 2013 was $4 million.
  • The stars on the original American flag were in a circle so all the Colonies would appear equal.
  • Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey as the national bird but was overruled by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who recommended the bald eagle.
  • There are more than 30 towns nationwide that have the word “Liberty” in their names.
  • Launched in 1785, the 4th of July celebration in Bristol, RI is said to be the oldest and longest-running in the United States.
  • This year marks the 38th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks in New York City.

From everyone at LSA, we wish you and your families a safe and happy Independence Day!