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In celebration of Independence Day, we take a look back at where this celebration started and some interesting facts:

History from the History Channel:

Independence Day in the U.S., is an annual holiday commemorating the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. Although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the Fourth of July holiday has been accepted as the official anniversary of U.S. independence and is celebrated in all states and territories of the U.S.

The holiday was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776, at which time the Declaration of Independence was read aloud, city bells rang, and bands played. It was not declared a legal holiday, however, until 1941. The Fourth is traditionally celebrated publicly with parades and pageants, patriotic speeches, and organized firing of guns and cannons and displays of fireworks; early in the 20th century public concern for a “safe and sane” holiday resulted in restrictions on general use of fireworks. Family picnics and outings are a feature of private Fourth of July celebrations.

 10 Interesting Facts:

1. Uncle Sam was first popularized during the War of 1812, when the term appeared on supply containers. The U. S. Congress didn’t actually adopt him as a national symbol until 1961.
2. The first two versions of the Liberty Bell were defective and had to be melted down and recast. The third version rang every Fourth of July from 1778 to 1835, when it famously cracked while recognizing the death of Chief Justice John Marshall.
3. The American national anthem, the “Star-Spangled Banner,” is set to the tune of the English drinking song “To Anacreon in Heaven.”
4. The number of places nationwide with “liberty” in their name is 31. The most populous one is Liberty, Mo.
5. Twelve places have “independence” in their name. The most populous of these is Independence, Mo.
6. The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) estimates that more than 14,000 fireworks displays light up U.S. skies each July 4th.
7. Historical research has failed to confirm that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag.
8. Father of the country and first President George Washington held his first public office at the tender age of 17 and continued in public service until his death.
9. The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest has been held each year on July 4 since 1916.  Last years winner, Joey Chestnut, ate 59 hotdogs in 10 minutes.
10.  John Adams, 2^nd President and American founder, felt that July 2^nd should be celebrated. “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.”