Fun Facts About the Fourth

July 4, 1776 is universally acknowledged as the day the fledgling United States of America declared its independence from Great Britain, but did you know the declaration of independence had been made two days earlier?

The Continental Congress actually voted to declare independence on July 2, 1776, and John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail on July 3, predicting that the second of July would be, “solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

However, it took another two days for Thomas Jefferson and the other authors of the Declaration of Independence to complete a document that was acceptable to the Continental Congress. Because the Declaration of Independence was the document that most colonists associated with the actual break with Great Britain, July 4 became Independence Day.

Of the 56 men who originally signed the document, three were Georgians. Their names may be partially familiar to you - Button Gwinnett, George Walton, and Lyman Hall. Nine Pennsylvanians, including Benjamin Franklin, signed the document, the largest contingent from any of the Thirteen Colonies. The smallest group came from Rhode Island, with two signees. Two future presidents, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, added their signatures to the document.

You might think that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, but historians now believe it was actually signed a month later, on Aug. 2, 1776. In 1884, a historian looking at the minutes of the Continental Congress discovered a notation for a signing ceremony held on that date. This means that the famous painting by John Trumbull depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence is most likely not rooted in fact.

The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was held in Philadelphia on July 8. George Washington's men first heard the declaration on July 9. The British press first published the news of independence in August.

A year later, the first Independence Day celebration was held, which included 13-gun salutes, music, parades, prayers, and an official dinner for the Continental Congress, among other festivities. In 1778, George Washington gave his men a double ration of rum to celebrate July 4. However, it took Congress until 1938 to make Independence Day a paid federal holiday.

On a strange and somewhat spooky note, July 4 is notable for the deaths of two Founding Fathers. On July 4, 1826, 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was approved, former president and signer of the declaration John Adams lay dying in Boston. His last words were, “Thomas Jefferson survives.” Except that Thomas Jefferson had died the same day in Virginia.

Looking for some local events to celebrate Independence Day in 2014? Look no further!

• The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville is hosting "Prelude to the 4th" on July 3 from 7 to 10 p.m. There will be a Broadway musical performance followed by a fireworks display.
• On Independence day itself, head over to Lilburn City Park for "Sprinkle in the Park," held from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The event features food, fireworks, and music.
  
• Additionally, the Lilburn Farmer's Market will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. The market will be held at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.
• The Celebrate Braselton Festival will commence at 4 p.m. in Braselton Park, and will run until 10. There will be a parade and fireworks.
• The 12th Annual Fabulous Fourth will take over the Mall of Georgia in Buford starting at 5 p.m. Shoppers will be greeted by a free movie, a fireworks display, and family-friendly fun.