Fun Facts About the Fourth of July

It’s the 4th of July, which for most people means a day filled with barbecues, parades and fireworks. But did you know any of the fun facts associated with the day?

• The first 4th of July celebration was held in Eastport, Maine, in 1820.
• The holiday actually commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which was initially adopted by Congress on July 2, 1776.
• John Adams and Thomas Jefferson - the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence and became president - died on the same day: July 4, 1826. It was the 50th anniversary of the United States.
• A third president also died on the 4th: James Monroe in 1831.
• In 1838, Congress turned Independence Day into a paid federal holiday.
• In July of 1776, about 2.5 million people lived in the United States. Now, it’s about 311.7 million.
• Last year, more than 81 million Americans said they took part in a barbecue for the 4th of July.
• More than one in four hot dogs and pork sausages consumed on the 4th of July come from Iowa.
• Do you like baked beans as a side during your barbecue? Chances are they originated in North Dakota; 36 percent of all dry, edible beans came from the state.
• $209 million worth of fireworks were imported from China in 2009.
• They were our adversary in 1776, but today, the United States trades $98.3 billion dollars between the United Kingdom, our sixth leading trading partner.
• There are eleven U.S. towns with “independence” in their names; five with “freedom”; five with “America”; and just one with Patriot, in Indiana.

This story was originally published on July 4, 2011 on Patch.