Fourth of July Trivia

The Fourth of July is a favorite holiday of many people, but not many people know much Fourth of July trivia. This holiday marks our independence as a country, but it is also filled with fun and fascinating facts.

Thomas Jefferson was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence. That is because he was the author of document that stated the colonies would no longer be under the rule of the British Empire. On the Fourth of July, many patriotic songs are played, including the Star Spangled Banner. But do you know who wrote it? It was written by Francis Scott Key. He wrote the song during the War of 1812 and it was officially made the national anthem on March 3, 1931.

But what about the celebrations we have each year? The first official state celebration of the holiday occurred in 1781. It was a dinner between the militia of Rhode Island and French military officers. The first public reception for the Fourth of July did not occur at the White House until 1801. A mere three years later, in 1894, the Fourth of July was celebrated for the first time west of the Mississippi River – by famed explorers Lewis and Clark.

Fireworks are a big part of the celebration and there is Fourth of July trivia about that as well. When did the first firework display occur on the Fourth of July? That was back in 1805 in Charleston, South Carolina. By the Fourth of July 1976, our great country was celebrating its centennial (one hundred-year birthday) with spectacular firework displays all over the nation.

Many people fly the flag on the Fourth of July, but there is flag etiquette you should always observe. The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground. A flag that is damage or worn should never be displayed. It should be burned rather than thrown away. This is seen as a dignified means of disposal.