Happy Independence Day, Fellow Americans!

Here are some lesser-known facts about Independence Day in the United States:

1. The Declaration of Independence wasn't signed on July 4th: Although the Fourth of July is celebrated as Independence Day, the Declaration of Independence was actually voted on and approved by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776. The official document was signed by most of the delegates on August 2, 1776.

2. Not everyone was on board: The vote for independence was not unanimous on July 2, 1776. The New York delegation abstained initially because they had not yet received instructions from their state government. They later voted in favor.

3. Early celebrations were more about unity than fireworks: Early Independence Day celebrations were often marked by official readings of the Declaration of Independence, military parades, and public readings. Fireworks became more popular in the 19th century.

4. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826: The second and third Presidents of the United States, both of whom were signers of the Declaration of Independence, died on the 50th anniversary of its adoption.

5. Independence Day wasn't a federal holiday until 1870: While the Fourth of July was celebrated informally since the late 18th century, it wasn't until 1870 that Congress made it an official unpaid holiday for federal employees. It became a paid federal holiday in 1938.

6. The Liberty Bell is tapped, not rung: Each Fourth of July, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped 13 times in honor of the 13 original colonies. The bell has not been rung since it cracked irreparably in the 19th century.

7. Original drafts and copies: The original draft of the Declaration of Independence had a passage condemning the slave trade, but it was removed to gain the support of Southern colonies. There are 26 known copies of the original Declaration of Independence, known as the Dunlap broadsides, which were printed on the night of July 4, 1776.

8. A variety of celebrations: Different regions and states have unique traditions for celebrating Independence Day. For example, Bristol, Rhode Island, hosts the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States, dating back to 1785.

9. Fireworks imported from China: A vast majority of fireworks used in the U.S. for Independence Day are imported from China. In 2020, about $1.4 billion worth of fireworks were imported from China.

10. The role of a hot dog contest: The annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, held on July 4th at Coney Island, New York, has become a major tradition since its inception in 1916, drawing large crowds and national media attention.

These facts highlight the rich and varied history surrounding America's Independence Day.