5 Fun Facts to Spark your July 4th Celebration
Get the stars and stripes ready – it’s almost the 4th of July! We have some interesting facts to celebrate all things Independence Day.
1. In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to the “The Star-Spangled Banner.” He was inspired by the American flag flying over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, after the American victory against the British. The song was not declared the official national anthem until 1931, but it was a part of patriotic celebrations for many years before.
Q: Can you guess how many pieces of American flag artwork we have on our site? Read to the bottom of the post to find out!
2. An estimated 150 million hot dogs will be consumed on July 4th – enough to stretch from D.C. to L.A. more than five times! Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Contest also happens on July 4th each year. The current record, held by Joey Chestnut, is 69 hotdogs and buns in 10 minutes.
3. John Adams believed that July 2nd was the correct date to celebrate American independence. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence; however, it was not until July 4th that the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted. Reportedly, Adams would turn down events to celebrate the 4th in protest. Happy July 2nd, John Adams!
4. More than 14,000 fireworks displays occur across the nation for the 4th, but New York City lays claim to home of the country’s largest display. Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show launches more than 40,000 shells each year from 6 barges in the East River.
5. Congress declared July 4th an official holiday in 1870 as part of a bill to officially recognize other holidays including Christmas. It was not until 1941 that congress declared it a federal legal paid holiday.
A: How many pieces of American flag artwork do we have on our site? 72! Having a 4th of July get-together this year or just want to stand out in your own customized patriotic gear? You can check out all of our 4th of July artwork and make your own shirt . Bonus! We also have 16 t-shirt and tank styles made in the USA .
Wow, those were some pretty interesting facts. I never knew that about John Adams! Thanks for sharing!
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