How Much Do You Know About the Fourth of July?

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to approve a motion by Virginia to separate from Great Britain. Two days later the declaration proclaiming the independence of the United States of America from Great Britain and its king was formally adopted by 12 Colonies.

Though John Adams was the first president to occupy the White House, it was Thomas Jefferson who, on July 4, 1801, opened the Executive Mansion to diplomats, civil and military officers, and Cherokee chiefs. The Marine band performed “The President’s March” (later retitled “Hail, Columbia”) and other patriotic tunes.

After John Dunlap of Philadelphia printed copies of the declaration for the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, printers throughout the Colonies produced their own versions. The one from The Pennsylvania Evening Post came out on July 6, 1776.

Hancock signed first as president of the Continental Congress. His famous signature is the largest on the document.

Nine Pennsylvanians signed the declaration, followed by Virginia with seven and Massachusetts and New Jersey with five each.