History & Archaeology

Twenty Unusual Facts About Independence Day and the Founders

1 week ago

4 minutes read

What do you know about Independence Day, the flag, the role of women, and the Founders?

July 2nd Was the Real Day of Independence
Most Americans mark July 4th as the nation’s birthday, but the Continental Congress actually voted for independence on July 2, 1776. John Adams famously wrote that the second of July “will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival” (The Imaginative Conservative).
Independence Day Wasn’t a Federal Holiday Until 1870
Despite its central place in our national mythology, Congress only made Independence Day an official federal holiday in 1870, nearly a century after the Revolution. Before that, it was celebrated locally and informally (The Imaginative Conservative).
The First Independence Day Celebration Was in 1777—During the War
The very first organized celebration of Independence Day occurred in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, while the Revolutionary War was still raging. That celebration included fireworks, speeches, and a parade—traditions that persist today (Lone Star Kids DDS).
Martha Washington Set a Precedent for Political Partnership
Martha Washington, wife of George Washington, played a key role in supporting the revolution and the founding era. She managed the family estates during George’s military campaigns and hosted important social and political gatherings, effectively shaping early American political culture. Her role demonstrated the influence women could wield behind the scenes despite lacking formal political rights (Mount Vernon).
The Declaration Wasn’t Signed All at Once
While the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, most delegates didn’t sign until August 2, 1776—or later. Only John Hancock and Charles Thomson are believed to have signed on July 4 itself (News.Virginia.edu).
The Oldest and Youngest Signers
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate to sign the Declaration, at age 70, while Thomas Lynch, Jr. of South Carolina was among the youngest, at just 27 (Heritage Foundation).
Deborah Sampson, Disguised as a Man to Fight
Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man and enlisted in the Continental Army under the name Robert Shurtliff. She fought bravely in several battles and was later honorably discharged when her gender was discovered. Her story highlights the lengths some women went to participate directly in the fight for independence (National Women’s History Museum).
Early Fourth of July Celebrations Were Noisy and Rowdy
The Founders and their contemporaries celebrated the anniversary with gun salutes, bonfires, and public readings. Parades and fireworks became standard, echoing the nation’s boisterous beginnings (National Review).
The Declaration’s Language Has Deep Roots in Western Tradition
The Declaration’s references to “the laws of nature and nature’s God” and “unalienable rights” drew on ideas from the English tradition, Enlightenment philosophy, and Protestant Christianity, reflecting the intellectual diversity of the founding generation (Heritage Foundation).
The American Flag’s Evolution Is Tied to Independence Day
Although the Stars and Stripes are now central to July 4th celebrations, the current 50-star flag wasn’t adopted until 1960. Earlier versions often featured different numbers of stars and stripes, reflecting the nation’s growth (The Imaginative Conservative).
Calvin Coolidge Was Born on the Fourth of July
Calvin Coolidge holds the distinction of being the only U.S. president born on Independence Day. He was born on July 4, 1872, adding a presidential twist to the holiday’s legacy (Bladen Online).
The Daughters of Liberty Supported the Patriot Cause
The Daughters of Liberty were groups of women who organized boycotts of British goods, produced homemade textiles, and supported the colonial resistance through activism and supply efforts. Their work was crucial in sustaining the Revolutionary cause at the grassroots level (History.com).
The Population of the United States Was Just 2.5 Million in 1776
When the Declaration of Independence was signed, the population of the new nation was about 2.5 million—compared to more than 330 million today (Business Insider).
John Hancock’s Signature Stood Out
John Hancock’s name is the most prominent on the Declaration of Independence. His bold signature was so distinctive that his name became synonymous with the term “signature” in American English (LivingADK).
Only Two Men Signed on July 4th
Despite popular myths, only John Hancock and Charles Thomson actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The majority of signers added their names weeks later (LivingADK).
Mercy Otis Warren, the Political Playwright and Historian
Mercy Otis Warren was a political writer and propagandist who used plays and poems to support the Patriot cause. She was closely connected to key figures like John Adams and provided a woman’s perspective on the Revolution, advocating for independence and republican principles. Later, she wrote one of the first histories of the American Revolution (National Women’s History Museum).
Fireworks Were Part of the Very First Independence Day Celebration
Fireworks have been a part of July 4th festivities since the very beginning. The first anniversary celebration in 1777 included fireworks, despite the ongoing Revolutionary War (Lone Star Kids DDS).
Oldest and Youngest Signers
At age 70, Benjamin Franklin was the oldest person to sign the Declaration of Independence, while several signers were in their twenties (The Pioneer Woman). Thomas Lynch, Jr. was just 27.
Calvin Coolidge Is the Only President with a Birthday on July 4th
While several presidents have had significant July 4th milestones, only Calvin Coolidge was actually born on the holiday (Bladen Online).
The Declaration’s Ideas Preceded Its Signing
Many of the principles in the Declaration were already present in colonial political culture and philosophy before 1776; the document formalized widely held beliefs about liberty and government (National Review).