Founding Facts
This man was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence
Who is Thomas Heyward Jr.? (Actually youngest signer was Edward Rutledge — tricky!)
This 1775 battle is often called “the shot heard ’round the world”
What is Lexington and Concord?
This document begins with “We the People…”
What is the Constitution?
This bird was officially adopted as the U.S. national symbol in 1782
What is the bald eagle?
This NYC event is the largest fireworks display in the U.S.
What is the Macy’s Fireworks Show?
He was not President but is often called the “Father of the Constitution”
Who is James Madison?
The turning point victory in 1777 convinced France to support the colonies
What is the Battle of Saratoga?
This document replaced the Articles of Confederation in 1789
What is the U.S. Constitution?
This patriotic song’s lyrics were written during the War of 1812
What is “The Star-Spangled Banner”?
Americans consume about 150 million of these on July 4th
What are hot dogs?
He was the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence
Who is Charles Carroll?
Washington’s surprise 1776 Christmas attack took place here
What is Trenton?
This 1689 English document influenced American ideas of rights
What is the English Bill of Rights?
This national park houses a sculpture of four presidents carved in stone
What is Mount Rushmore?
This holiday commemorates independence from which empire?
What is Great Britain (or Britain)?
This Founding Father invented bifocals and the lightning rod
Who is Benjamin Franklin?
This brutal winter encampment tested Washington’s troops in 1777–78
What is Valley Forge?
This set of essays was written to promote ratification of the Constitution
What are The Federalist Papers?
The Liberty Bell cracked while being rung for this historic moment
What is the signing (or adoption) of the Declaration of Independence?
This city hosts the famous “Reading of the Declaration” ceremony
What is Philadelphia?
This delegate proposed independence on June 7, 1776
Who is Richard Henry Lee?
This naval hero said, “I have not yet begun to fight!”
Who is John Paul Jones?
This Enlightenment philosopher influenced Jefferson’s ideas of natural rights
Who is John Locke?
This symbol’s 7 spikes represent the 7 continents and 7 seas
What is the Statue of Liberty?
This tradition dates back to 1777 in Philadelphia with bells & fireworks
What is public fireworks celebrations?