Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July!

For most of us, the Fourth of July is going to look a lot different this year. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many counties and cities to cancel their annual parades, festivals, and fireworks displays to keep large crowds from gathering in one place. The CDC has released safety guidelines for hosting gatherings and what you need to know when participating in social activities. CDC Safety Guidelines

Fun Facts about Independence Day that might spark your interest!

Take a few minutes to check out these fun facts you probably never knew. Brush up on your history trivia and impress your friends and family with your knowledge about July 4th.

1. The 4th of July Should Really Be July 2nd.

Independence Day is that the Declaration Independence was approved and signed on July 4, 1776. When in fact, the resolution to legally separate from Great Britain was two days earlier, on July 2. The approved Declaration of Independence was first printed on July 4, so that's the date on the document.

2. John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.

President of Congress, at the time, making his mark in the center and known to be the largest signature on the document, according to the National Archives. His bold signature is the reason people use the phrase "put your John Hancock" when referring to signing your name.

3. The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration.

A local printer named John Dunlap produced copies of the declaration's manuscript, on July 6, 1776, for everyone to see.

4. An estimated 2.5 million people lived in the nation in July 1776.

As of July 2017, about 325.7 million people live in the U.S., according to the United States Census.

5. Three presidents who signed the Declaration of Independence died on July 4.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826 — on the 50th anniversary of the country's independence. James Monroe died five years later on July 4, 1831.

6. Massachusetts Was the First to Recognize July 4th as a Holiday.

In 1781 Massachusetts was the first state to make the 4th of July a state holiday.

7. The Liberty Bell had nothing to do with July 4th.

Although, every July 4th the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped (not rung) thirteen times in honor of the original thirteen colonies. It wasn't called the "Liberty Bell" until the 1830s and that's is also when it got its famous crack.

8. The very first 4th of July fireworks show took place in Philadelphia in 1777.

Fireworks, canons, and bells all went off to honor the 13 original states. Much like our modern celebrations with Fireworks, parades, and cook-outs.

9. U.S. soldiers got a special treat on the 4th of July in 1778.

George Washington helped the troops celebrate by allowing them a double ration of rum, according to Live Science.

10. One Hundred Years Later!

The 4th of July didn't become a federal holiday until 1870. It took nearly 100 years for it to be recognized.

Share these fun facts with friends and family about our Country's Independence!

In Observance of Independence Day, We Will Be Closed Friday, July 3, 2020. Wishing you a safe and happy 4th of July celebrating the independence of this nation.

Source: www.goodhousekeeping.c...