On this special day in 1776, the Continental Congress
approved the Declaration of Independence which set the 13 colonies on the road
to freedom as a sovereign nation. This most important American holiday will be
celebrated with fireworks, parades, and barbecues across the country. Here are
a few interesting facts about July 4th.
Population in 1776– 2.5
million
Population 2013- 316.2
million
The 4th of July only became a national holiday in 1941.
50 flags are flown 24 hours a day at the Washington Monument.
President Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4, 1872.
The White House held its first 4th of July party in 1801.
The first Independence Day celebration took place in
Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. This was also the day that the Declaration of
Independence was first read in public after people were summoned by the ringing
of the Liberty Bell.
