Happy Independence Day!

Did you know?

• Massachusetts was the first to make July 4 an official state holiday.
• Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826 – the 50th anniversary of Independence Day.
• John Adams is said to have turned down all invitations to appear at July 4 events, since he believed July 2 to be the true date to celebrate.
• Congress passed the holiday in 1870, but July 4 wasn’t a paid federal holiday until 1941.
• The first July 4 celebration in the West was celebrated by Lewis and Clark in Independence Creek, ID in 1804.
• July 4, 1960 marks the debut of the 50-star American flag after Hawaii was granted statehood.
• In 1942, celebratory fireworks were cancelled in most cities due to war blackouts.
• The oldest continuous Independence celebration has taken place in Bristol, RI, since 1785.
• Thirty places nationwide with “liberty” in their name. Liberty, Missouri (26,232) boasts the highest population of the 30 at 26,232. Iowa has more of these places than any other state at four: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.
• Eleven places have “independence” in their name. The most populous of these is Independence, Missouri, with 113,288 residents.
• Five places adopted the name “freedom.” Freedom, California, with 6,000 residents, has the largest population among these.
• There is one place named “patriot” — Patriot, Indiana, with a population of 202.

Wishing you all a Fun & Safe holiday :)))