5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Fourth of July

Fireworks. Hot dogs. Red, white, and blue everything. We all know how to celebrate the Fourth of July, but just how much do you actually know about it?

At Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, we’re all about the extraordinary. So in true Ripley’s fashion, we’re digging into the fun and mind-blowing facts hiding behind America’s most explosive holiday!

1. You’re Celebrating on the Wrong Day

That’s right! According to Founding Father John Adams, Independence Day should be July 2, not July 4.

That’s when Congress actually voted to break up with Britain. July 4 is just when the paperwork got finalized.

Imagine throwing your birthday party on the day your birth certificate was signed. Weird, right?

2. Founding Fathers Were Party Animals

Think early Americans were all powdered wigs and seriousness? Think again.

The first Fourth of July celebrations in 1777 were rowdy—bonfires, bell ringing, fireworks, even melting down a statue of King George III into bullets! The party hasn’t stopped since.

3. New Englanders Eat... Salmon?

While the rest of the country is scarfing down burgers and hot dogs, New Englanders are chowing down on salmon and green peas.

Why? Because back in the day, salmon was super common in July. It’s become a full-blown Independence Day tradition, turtle soup optional (but historically accurate!).

4. There Are Over 15,000 Fireworks Shows Every Year

That’s a lot of boom. From coast to coast, towns and cities light up the night sky with patriotic pyrotechnics, and some shows even cost millions of dollars!

Tip: Stay safe this Independence Day. Take extra care and look out for those around you. A little caution goes a long way.

5. Americans Eat Enough Hot Dogs to Stretch Coast to Coast... Literally

Every Fourth of July, Americans eat around 150 million hot dogs.

That’s enough to stretch from D.C. to L.A. five times. And yes, Joey Chestnut is basically the Michael Jordan of mustard-slathered madness, holding the Nathan's record with 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes!

Before You Go: Looking for more hot dog stats to drop at the barbecue this Independence Day? Click here !

Celebrate the Fourth With Ripley’s

This Independence Day, go beyond burgers, fireworks (and hot dogs), and step into the world of the strange at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

What are you waiting for? Get your tickets today !