July 2026 Newsletter – Celebrate America 250

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026, here are some fascinating and fun facts from 249 past Independence Days.

1. The Declaration Wasn’t Signed on July 4th
Although the Declaration was adopted on July 4, 1776, most of the signatures came later—on August 2. John Adams believed July 2 (when the vote was actually passed) was the real Independence Day and never celebrated on the 4th.

2. Three Presidents Died on the 4th of July
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826—50 years after the Declaration was adopted. James Monroe, the nation’s fifth president, also died on July 4, in 1831.

3. Fireworks Have Always Been Part of the Party
Philadelphia celebrated the first Independence Day in 1777 with fireworks, bonfires, bells, and cannon fire. Early Americans knew how to throw a party—and we’ve kept the tradition going.

4. It Took Nearly 100 Years to Become a Holiday
Despite being widely celebrated, July 4th didn’t become a federal holiday until 1870. It wasn’t declared a paid holiday for federal employees until 1941.

5. The Liberty Bell May Not Have Rung That Day
While the Liberty Bell is an enduring symbol of American independence, there’s no record it was actually rung on July 4, 1776. Its famous crack may have silenced it long before the day it became a legend.

6. Hot Dogs, Anyone?
Americans eat over 150 million hot dogs on the 4th - that’s enough to stretch across the country and back again.

7. We are celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial this year!
America’s 250th will be a party 250 years in the making.