Dates
Independence Day
July 4th
Total Signers
56 people signed the Declaration of Independence
The "Father of the Constitution" and a key author of the Bill of Rights.
James Madison
The National Independence Day Parade takes place annually in
Washington, D.C.
How many original colonies were there?
13
Official start of the Revolutionary War.
April 19, 1775
Youngest Signer
Edward Rutledge, at 26 years old.
Washington's right-hand man during the war and the first Secretary of the Treasury.
Alexander Hamilton
State that holds the record for the longest route in the nation.
Alameda, California
The 1st colony founded on May 13, 1607
Jamestown, Virginia
Continental Congress officially votes for independence.
July 2, 1776
First Publication
The Pennsylvania Evening Post first printed the declaration on July 6, 1776.
Known as the "voice of independence" for his tireless advocacy in Congress.
John Adams
13-gun salute or 13-shot cannon fire started in
Philadelphia in 1777
Failed before Jamestown succeeded
Roanoke Colony
Continental Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation
November 15, 1777
The "Committee of Five"
Responsible for drafting the document were Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston.
A master diplomat who secured the French alliance and helped negotiate the peace treaty.
Benjamin Franklin
Holds the record for the shortest route
Aptos, California (roughly two city blocks).
Last colony to be founded
Georgia in 1732
U.S. Constitution is signed by the delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
September 17, 1787
The Oldest Signer
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer at 70 years old.
The primary author of the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Jefferson
The Oldest 4th of July Celebration
The Bristol 4th of July Celebration in Rhode Island dating back to 1785
Names of the original colonies.
New Hampshire ,Massachusettes ,Rhode Island ,Conneticut ,New York ,New Jersey ,Pennsylvania ,Delaware ,Maryland,Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia