How Much Do You Know About the Fourth of July?

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to approve a motion by Virginia to separate from Great Britain. Two days later the declaration proclaiming the independence of the United States of America from Great Britain and its king was formally adopted by 12 of the 13 Colonies.

Congress authorized the use of fireworks to help mark the first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The celebration, which took place in Philadelphia, also included bonfires and bells.

Though John Adams was the first president to occupy the White House, it was Thomas Jefferson who, on July 4, 1801, opened the Executive Mansion to diplomats, civil and military officers, and Cherokee chiefs. The Marine band performed “The President’s March” (later retitled “Hail, Columbia”) and other patriotic tunes.

After John Dunlap of Philadelphia printed copies of the declaration for the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, printers throughout the Colonies produced their own versions. The one from The Pennsylvania Evening Post came out on July 6, 1776.

Jefferson and Adams died within hours of each other on July 4, 1826. Jefferson was 83; Adams was 90.

The 30th president was born on July 4, 1872, in Plymouth Notch, Vermont. He’s the only president born on Independence Day.