Tricky 4th of July
Who ruled England when the Colonies established independence?
King George III
What saying, associated with the British taxing the Colonies, is often referred to as a pillar in the American Revolution?
“No taxation without representation”
The Declaration of Independence was finalized as a written document on July 4, 1776—but on which date did the Continental Congress vote in favor of declaring themselves independent of British rule?
July 2, 1776
Which six men are considered the core Founding Fathers of America?
George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton
Americans will consume 375 million what on July 4th.
Hamburgers
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association ( APA), how much do Americans spend on fireworks each year?
$2.8 Billion
How many people were estimated to be living in the Colonies when they gained independence?
2.5 million
How many people were killed during the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770?
Five
On which day was the Declaration of Independence actually signed?
Aug. 2, 1776
Which Founding Father so firmly believed that July 2 was the correct day on which to celebrate American independence that he refused to appear at 4th of July events as a matter of principle?
John Adams
The National Hot Dog Eating Contest is held at this location every July 4th and are hosted by which company.
Where is Coney Island hosted by Nathans Hot Dogs
Which city hosted the first official Independence Day celebration on July 4, 1777?
Philadelphia
What was dumped into Boston Harbor on Dec. 16, 1773, to protest Britain taxing the Colonies?
Tea
How many original copies of the Declaration of Independence are believed to have been printed?
200
Which Founding Father served as the first Secretary of Treasury?
Alexander Hamilton
This fruit is the most popular choice served on the 4th of July
What is Watermelon
When was the first 4th of July celebration held at the White House?
July 4, 1801, when Thomas Jefferson was president
What is the name of the man who made a midnight ride to Lexington, Massachusetts, to warn residents the British were coming?
Paul Revere
Who is credited with writing the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
Which Founding Father’s birthday actually changed?
George Washington. Technically, he was born on Feb. 11, but his birthday changed to Feb. 22 when Britain and its Colonies shifted from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in 1752.
The type of salad most eaten on the 4th of July?
What is Potato Salad?
How many times does the Liberty Bell ring on each Independence Day?
13 times
What was the start date of the Revolutionary War?
April 19, 1775
One of the most famous lines in the Declaration of Independence is “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” But as originally drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the pursuit was not of happiness but of what?
Property. As the story goes, Benjamin Franklin convinced Jefferson to make the change because property was too “narrow” a notion.
Which Founding Father opted for “air baths” instead of regular baths?
Benjamin Franklin
This country produces the most fireworks
What is China
What is the location of the nation’s oldest 4th of July parade?
Bristol, Rhode Island
Who led the Continental Army during the war?
George Washington
How many sections are in the Declaration of Independence?
5
Alexander Hamilton died in a duel on July 11, 1804. Who was he dueling?
Aaron Burr
The people of this country gave the USA the Statue of Liberty.
France?
What was the first state to declare the 4th of July a state holiday?
Massachusetts
Who led the British Army during the war?
Major General William Howe
How many signatures are on the Declaration of Independence?
56
James Madison was a major contributor to which critical United States document?
The Constitution
She made the first American Flag
Who is Betsy Ross
What year was the 4th of July declared a national holiday?
1870
Which side won the Siege of Boston: the British or the Americans?
Americans
How many people who signed the Declaration of Independence also signed the Constitution?
Six (Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, George Read, James Wilson, Robert Morris and George Clymer)
Who was the last of the Founding Fathers to be president?
James Monroe
The number of Stars on the US Flag
50
Which three U.S. presidents died on the 4th of July?
John Adams (July 4, 1826), Thomas Jefferson (July 4, 1826) and James Monroe (July 4, 1831)
At which site did the Continental Army stay during the winter of 1777–1778?
Valley Forge
One of the signers of the Declaration of Independence wound up recanting his support of the Colonies’s independence. Who was it?
Richard Stockton. On Nov. 30, 1776, Stockton was captured by the British and forced to repudiate his declaration of independence and to swear his allegiance to King George. A little over a year later, he escaped the British and re-avowed his loyalty to our country.
Which Founding Father wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights?
George Mason
The Declaration of Independence was signed in this building.
Independence Hall
On the flip side, which president was born on the 4th of July?
Calvin Coolidge (July 4, 1872)
During which battle did the British surrender to the Continental Army on October 19, 1781?
The Battle of Yorktown
True or false: A woman’s signature appears on some copies of the Declaration of Independence.
True. Though she’s not an official signer, Mary Katharine Goddard, who was commissioned by Congress to print copies of the important document, added her name below the original signers’ names. Though it’s not clear why she included her name, Goddard was a well-known patriot and one of the first women publishers and postmasters in the young country.
Which president is credited with creating the term “Founding Fathers”?
Warren G. Harding
In 1780 this animal was designated as our national symbol
Bald Eagle