People & Places
Who ruled England when the Colonies established independence?
King George III
What was dumped into Boston Harbor on Dec. 16, 1773, to protest Britain taxing the Colonies?
Tea
How many times does the Liberty Bell ring on each Independence Day?
13 times
Who led the Continental Army during the war?
George Washington
Where is the original Declaration of Independence kept?
In the National Archives
Which city hosted the first official Independence Day celebration on July 4, 1777?
Philadelphia
According to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, roughly how many hot dogs are eaten on the 4th of July?
150 million
True or False: The amount of hot dogs consumed on the 4th of July, if laid end to end, could stretch across the entire country six times.
False - it’s five times.
How many people were killed during the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770?
Five
Who has the biggest signature on the Declaration of Independence?
John Hancock
What is the name of the man who made a midnight ride to Lexington, Massachusetts, to warn residents the British were coming?
Paul Revere
What do Americans eat more of on July 4, beef and pork or chicken?
Chicken
What is the largest 4th of July fireworks display in the U.S.?
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks celebration in New York City
What nickname was used for British soldiers during the Revolution?
The Red Coats
How many signatures are on the Declaration of Independence?
56
DOUBLE POINTS
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has happened on each Independence Day since 1972. Where does the competition take place?
Coney Island, New York
True or false: Nearly 70 million cases of beer are sold in the US for the 4th of July.
True
According to the National Retail Federation, how much money are people expected to pay, on average, for the food for their 4th of July bash this year?
$93.34
DOUBLE POINTS
Which river did George Washington and his soldiers in the Continental Army cross on Dec. 25, 1776, in a surprise attack against the British?
The Delaware River
How many original copies of the Declaration of Independence are believed to have been printed?
200
What is the location of the nation’s oldest 4th of July parade?
Bristol, Rhode Island
DOUBLE POINTS
What did George Washington give to his soldiers to celebrate Independence Day?
He doubled their rum rations.
Which US president presided over the first public 4th of July celebration at the White House?
Thomas Jefferson
How long did the Revolutionary War last?
7 years
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.