Tomorrow is the 4th of July, which means it is American Independence Day. Across America, people will be celebrating with fireworks, parades, barbecues and other festivities. Here are 18 interesting facts to share with your friends this Independence Day.

1 - On July 4, 1776, the American colonies were declared free and independent States from Great Britain and its king.

2 - Did you know it was actually on July 2, 1776, that the Declaration of Independence began? It started with a letter to Britain’s King George to explain why the Continental Congress voted to declare America’s independence.

3 - It was on July 4, that the final wording of the declaration was agreed.

4 - Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Jefferson signed the declaration of independence before becoming president

5 - Jefferson later served as the third President of America from 1801 to 1809.

6 - Coincidentally, Jefferson died on July 4, 1826.

7 - Strangely, two other US presidents, John Adams and James Monroe, have also died on July 4.

8 - Meanwhile, the 30th president of America, Calvin Coolidge, was born on July 4, 1872.

9 - The first Independence Day was celebrated on July 8, 1776, in Philadelphia and the official signing took place on August 2.

10 - Every 4th of July the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped – although not actually rung – 13 times in honor of the original 13 American colonies.

11 - The stars on the original American flag were in a circle so all the Colonies would appear equal.

Thirteen stars in a circle made up the original American flag

12 - The White House celebrated Independence Day for the first time in 1801.

13 - America’s oldest continuous Independence Day celebration is the 4th of July Parade in Bristol on Rhode Island. This year it will celebrate its 232nd year.

14 - The first Independence Day was celebrated by around 2.5 million people compared to more than 316 million people today.

15 - Almost 100 years after the Declaration of Independence, in 1870, July 4 was made an official holiday by Congress.

16 - Fireworks are a major part of the celebrations because the first Independence Day celebration on July 4, 1777, saw Americans gathering to watch as the sky illuminated to celebrate the new nation.

Fireworks at the statue of liberty.

17 - Americans take their July 4 celebrations seriously. On this day, some 150 million hot dogs will be eaten!

18 - Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey as the national bird but he was overruled by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who recommended the bald eagle.

We would like to wish all of our American customers a happy 4th July and if you want to get out and experience a genuine slice of America, there is no better way than to do it on a walking or cycling holiday.  You can check out the various trips we offer in the USA  or give one of our specialists a shout on hello@macsadventure.com