July Fourth 2023: 5 lesser known facts you should know about American Independence Day
American Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Second Continental Congress, declaring the colonies' separation from Great Britain. One year later, Philadelphia witnessed a spontaneous celebration marking the anniversary of American independence, according to the Library of Congress. While Americans celebrate the Fourth of July with much pomp due to the Declaration of Independence being celebrated on that day.
However, the Continental Congress declared America's independence on July 2, 1776. Interstingly, John Adams while serving as the second president of US refused to attend festivals and other events on July 4 because he believed July 2 was the real Independence Day. American founding fathers and former presidents George Washington and John Adams passed away on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1826.
Fifth US President James Monroe died in New York on the same day in 1831. In 1863, the Confederate garrison surrendered to Union forces on this day, splitting the Confederacy in half. According to the Library of Congress, the Fourth of July was not declared a federal holiday until 1870, by which time it had become the largest secular holiday on the calendar.
Congress passed an act declaring the Fourth of July a federal holiday on 28 July 1870. Founding father John Adams envisioned a grand celebration of America's independence. Americans have a special relationship with fireworks, spending about $2.3 billion each year.
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