US Office Closed For 250th Anniversary Day And Fourth Of July Facts
It’s the 250th anniversary of Independence Day this weekend, and Atlantic Pacific USA will be closed for the federal holiday on Friday 3rd July. To commemorate this landmark anniversary, we’re sharing ten interesting facts about the Fourth of July – Independence Day.
1. The U.S. Didn’t Officially Vote for Independence on July 4th
Although July 4th is widely recognised as Independence Day, the Continental Congress actually voted in favour of independence on July 2, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was then adopted on July 4 — the date that has been celebrated for the last 250 years.
2. Americans Eat Around 150 Million Hot Dogs on July 4th
The Fourth of July is one of the biggest food holidays in the United States. Americans are estimated to eat around 150 million hot dogs on the day alone, forming part of the billions enjoyed throughout the summer season.
3. The Declaration Wasn’t Signed by Everyone on July 4th
Despite the famous date, most delegates did not sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The engrossed parchment copy was signed later, with many delegates adding their names from August 2 onwards.
4. Thomas Jefferson Used a “Laptop” to Draft the Declaration
Not the modern kind, of course. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence using a portable writing desk that could rest on his lap — sometimes referred to as a “laptop” writing desk.
5. Fireworks Have Been Part of the Tradition Since 1777
Fireworks have been associated with Independence Day since the first anniversary celebrations in 1777. John Adams had hoped the occasion would be marked with “pomp,” parades, shows and illuminations.
6. From Smaller Acorns
In 1776, the population of the newly independent nation was estimated at around 2.5 million people. As the U.S. marks 250 years of independence, that population has grown to nearly 342 million people.
7. A Little Late to the Parade
Although Independence Day had been celebrated for decades, July 4th was not made a federal holiday until 1870 — almost a century after the Declaration of Independence.
8. A 50-Year Coincidence
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826 — exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was adopted. James Monroe also died on July 4, five years later in 1831.
9. The First Annual Celebration Took Place in 1777
The first organised Fourth of July celebration took place in Philadelphia in 1777, with fireworks, bonfires, bells and public gatherings helping to set the tone for celebrations that continue 250 years on.
10. The Stars and Stripes Looked Very Different in 1776
The original US flag represented 13 colonies, rather than today’s 50 states. The design has changed many times as the country has grown.
Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Atlantic Pacific.
