I DIDN'T KNOW THAT ABOUT THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Ah, the Declaration of Independence. That old piece of parchment that we all learned about in school. But did you know that there are some lesser-known facts about this famous document? And did you know that it's actually pretty funny if you look at it from the right angle? Let's take a closer look.
First of all, let's talk about the signing date. We all know that the Declaration was adopted on July 4, 1776, but did you know that most of the signers didn't actually sign it until August 2, 1776? That's like turning in your homework a month after it was due. And speaking of signing, have you seen John Hancock's signature? It's huge! Legend has it that he wanted to make sure that King George III could read his name without spectacles. Talk about an ego.
But let's get back to the facts. Thomas Jefferson, one of the main authors of the Declaration, actually wrote a version of it known as the "Original Rough Draught." I don't know about you, but I think that's a pretty hilarious name. It's like he knew that it wasn't going to be perfect, but he just went with it anyway. And speaking of imperfections, did you know that there were only 26 surviving copies of the first printed version of the Declaration? I mean, come on, John Dunlap, get your act together.
Now, let's talk about the Syng inkstand. This thing is basically a fancy inkwell that was used to hold the ink for the Declaration. It's currently on display at the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. I don't know about you, but I think it's pretty funny that we have an entire artifact dedicated to holding ink. It's like we're so obsessed with this document that we even care about the ink that was used to write it.
But let's get serious for a moment. When the Declaration reached Britain, it was initially met with mixed reactions. Some dismissed it as a rebellion, while others saw it as a serious threat to British rule. King George III supposedly wrote "Nothing of importance happened today" in his diary on July 4, 1776. I mean, come on, George, you're not fooling anyone. We all know that you were secretly freaking out.
And finally, let's talk about the women's suffrage movement. Did you know that the Declaration of Sentiments, a key document in the movement, was modeled after the structure and language of the Declaration of Independence? It was presented at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. I don't know about you, but I think it's pretty funny that a document that was originally written by a bunch of old white dudes ended up inspiring a movement for women's rights.
In conclusion, the Declaration of Independence is a pretty funny document if you look at it from the right angle. From John Hancock's ego to Thomas Jefferson's "Original Rough Draught," there are plenty of laughs to be had. But let's not forget that this document is also incredibly important and shaped the course of American history. So let's raise a glass (or a quill) to the Declaration and all of its quirks and imperfections.
THE DEFT DIVE
Here are some lesser-known facts about the Declaration of Independence:
1. Signing date: While the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, most of the signers did not actually put pen to paper until August 2, 1776. This is the date when the official parchment document was prepared.
2. Syng inkstand: The Syng inkstand, an iconic artifact associated with the signing of the Declaration, was used to hold the ink for the document. It is currently on display at the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia.
3. "Original Rough Draught": Thomas Jefferson drafted a version of the Declaration known as the "Original Rough Draught." This draft underwent revisions and edits by other committee members before being adopted.
4. Printer John Dunlap: The first printed copies of the Declaration, known as the "Dunlap Broadsides," were produced by John Dunlap on the night of July 4, 1776. Around 200 copies were made, but only 26 are known to have survived.
5. Signer ages: The signers of the Declaration of Independence ranged in age from 26 to 70. The youngest signer was Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, and the oldest was Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania.
6. John Hancock's prominent signature: John Hancock's signature on the Declaration is notably large and flamboyant. Legend has it that he wanted to make sure that King George III could read his name without spectacles.
7. British reaction: When the Declaration reached Britain, it was initially met with mixed reactions. Some dismissed it as a rebellion, while others saw it as a serious threat to British rule. King George III supposedly wrote "Nothing of importance happened today" in his diary on July 4, 1776.
8. Women's suffrage connection: The Declaration of Sentiments, a key document in the women's suffrage movement, was modeled after the structure and language of the Declaration of Independence. It was presented at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848.
These are just a few intriguing facts about the Declaration of Independence. It remains an important historical document that shaped the course of American history.
Declaration of Independence, the 4th of July, our Founding Fathers and the celebrations over the years:
- - **Fourth of July - Origins, Early Celebrations & Traditions | HISTORY**¹: This article provides a detailed overview of the history of Independence Day, from the events that led to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence to the traditions and festivities that have evolved over time. It also features a photo gallery of the Founding Fathers and a video about the origins of the holiday.
- - **Declaration of Independence | Summary, Definition, Date, & Text | Britannica**²: This article explains the background, content and significance of the Declaration of Independence, as well as its impact on the American Revolution and the world. It also answers some frequently asked questions about the document and its preservation.
- - **America declared independence on July 2—so why is the 4th a holiday? | National Geographic**³: This article explores the discrepancy between the date that independence was formally declared (July 2) and the date that the Declaration of Independence was adopted (July 4). It also discusses how different states and regions celebrated the anniversary of independence in different ways.
- - **Declaration of Independence | Key Facts | Britannica**⁴: This article summarizes the key facts about the Declaration of Independence, such as who wrote it, who signed it, what it said and how it was received. It also provides a link to the full text of the document..
Bing, 7/3/2023
(1) Fourth of July - Origins, Early Celebrations & Traditions | HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th.
(2) Declaration of Independence | Summary, Definition, Date, & Text. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Declaration-of-Independence.
(3) America declared independence on July 2—so why is the 4th a holiday?. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/america-declared-independence-july-2-why-holiday-4th.
(4) Declaration of Independence | Key Facts | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/Declaration-of-Independence-Key-Facts.
There are many books about the Declaration of Independence that you can read to learn more about this important document and its impact. Here are some of the books:
- - **Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality** by Danielle S. Allen¹: This book offers a close reading and analysis of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting its relevance for contemporary issues of equality and democracy.
- - **The Declaration of Independence: A Global History** by David Armitage²: This book explores how the Declaration of Independence has influenced and inspired other declarations of independence around the world, from Haiti to Vietnam.
- - **The Declaration of Independence: The Story Behind America's Founding Document and the Men Who Created It** by Rod Gragg³: This book tells the story of the events and people that led to the creation and adoption of the Declaration of Independence, with removable artifacts and a full-size replica of the document.
- - **The Declaration of Independence: A Study in the History of Political Ideas** by Carl Lotus Becker⁴: This book examines the philosophical and historical origins of the Declaration of Independence, as well as its reception and interpretation by different generations of Americans.
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(1) Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. https://www.monticello.org/thomas-jefferson/jefferson-s-three-greatest-achievements/the-declaration/jefferson-and-the-declaration/.
(2) Amazon.com: Declaration Of Independence: Books. https://www.amazon.com/declaration-independence-Books/s?k=declaration+of+independence&rh=n%3A283155.
(3) The Declaration of Independence: The Story Behind America's Founding .... https://www.amazon.com/Declaration-Independence-Americas-Founding-Document/dp/140160210X.
(4) The Declaration of Independence : A Global History - Google Books. https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Declaration_of_Independence.html?id=X2QCAa27Zy4C.
There are some movies about the Declaration of Independence that you can watch to enjoy some historical drama and action. Here are some of the movies:
- - **Declaration of Independence** (1938): This short film directed by Crane Wilbur won an Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Two-Reel) in 1939. It dramatizes the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with actors portraying Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and others¹.
- - **1776** (1972): This musical film directed by Peter H. Hunt is based on the Broadway musical comedy of the same name. It features songs and dialogues taken from the letters and memoirs of the Founding Fathers, as they debate and draft the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia²³.
- - **National Treasure** (2004): This adventure film directed by Jon Turteltaub stars Nicolas Cage as a treasure hunter who follows clues hidden in the Declaration of Independence and other historical documents to find a secret stash of riches left by the Founding Fathers⁴⁵.
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(1) Declaration of Independence (film) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_Independence_%28film%29.
(2) Top 10 Films Honoring American Independence - The Script Lab. https://thescriptlab.com/features/the-lists/1177-top-10-films-honoring-american-independence/.
(3) 1776 (1972) - IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068156/.
(4) Declare Your Independence: Hollywood’s Most Patriotic Movies. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/best-patriotic-movies-independence/.
(5) "declaration of independence" Movies - The Movie Database (TMDB). https://www.themoviedb.org/keyword/309007-declaration-of-independence/movie.
There are many places where you can watch the Fourth of July fireworks and celebrate the Independence Day. Here are some of the biggest celebrations and how to watch them:
- - **Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks** in New York City: This is the largest fireworks show in the country, with more than 65,000 shells and effects launched from five barges on the East River. You can watch it live on NBC from 8 to 10 p.m. ET, or online on NBC.com or NBC app. You can also watch it in person from designated viewing areas along the Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn waterfronts¹².
- - **A Capitol Fourth** in Washington, D.C.: This is the nation's birthday celebration, broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. You can watch it live on PBS from 8 to 9:30 p.m. ET, or online on PBS.org, YouTube or Facebook. You can also watch it in person from the National Mall or other nearby locations³⁴.
- - **Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular** in Boston: This is the annual concert and fireworks show featuring the Boston Pops Orchestra and guest artists. You can watch it live on Bloomberg TV from 8 to 11 p.m. ET, or online on Bloomberg.com or Bloomberg app. You can also watch it in person from the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade or other nearby locations⁵⁶.
Bing, 7/3/2023
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(2) Fourth of July celebrations: Where to watch fireworks in the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast. https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/fourth-of-july-celebrations-where-to-watch-fireworks-in-the-palm-beaches-and-the-treasure-coast/ar-AA1dgxFX.
(3) When and where to watch the big Fair St. Louis fireworks show. https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/when-and-where-to-watch-the-big-fair-st-louis-fireworks-show/.
(4) Fourth of July White House concert: Brothers Osborne and Ne-Yo perform. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/07/03/biden-july-4-white-house-brothers-osborne-ne-yo-dj-dnice/70377764007/.
(5) Where to watch the best July 4th fireworks in 2021 - TODAY. https://www.today.com/popculture/where-watch-fourth-july-fireworks-2021-t218694.
(6) A Capitol Fourth | PBS. https://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/.
There are many other ways to celebrate the Fourth of July besides watching fireworks. You can try some of these activities to have fun and show your patriotism:
- - **Dress the part**: Wear red, white and blue clothes, accessories, face paint or masks to show your colors. You can also decorate your own T-shirts, hats or shoes with patriotic symbols or slogans¹.
- - **Have a patriotic picnic**: Pack some delicious food and drinks that are red, white and blue, such as potato salad, lobster macaroni salad, pretzels, truffles and strawberries. Find a nice spot to enjoy your meal, such as a park, a beach or your backyard¹.
- - **Paint your lawn**: Use grass-friendly spray paint to create some artistic designs on your front lawn. You can paint stars and stripes, words of celebration or anything else that expresses your spirit¹.
- - **Create a photo booth**: Set up a corner of your house or yard with some props and decorations that are related to the Fourth of July. You can use flags, balloons, hats, sunglasses, signs or anything else that suits the theme. Then take some fun photos with your family or friends and share them online¹.
- - **Visit a historic landmark**: Learn more about the history of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution by visiting a place that played a role in it. You can go to Philadelphia, where the document was signed; Boston, where the Tea Party took place; or Washington, D.C., where the Capitol is located².
- - **Watch a movie**: If you prefer to stay indoors, you can watch a movie that is related to the Fourth of July or the American history. Some examples are Declaration of Independence (1938), 1776 (1972), National Treasure (2004), Lincoln (2012) or Hamilton (2020)³.
- - **Try something different**: Depending on where you live, you might find some unusual ways to celebrate the Fourth of July. For example, you can join a boat parade, a lobster race, a road apple roulette or a computer trap shooting⁴.
Bing, 7/3/2023
(1) 4th of July Bucket List: 41 Things to Do for Independence Day. https://bucketlistjourney.net/things-to-do-for-4th-of-july/.
(2) From big cities to small towns, see the most spectacular July 4th firework displays. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/from-big-cities-to-small-towns-see-the-most-spectacular-july-4th-firework-displays/ar-AA1dnkxW.
(3) Ways to celebrate the 4th of July indoors. https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/other/ways-to-celebrate-the-4th-of-july-indoors/ar-AA1dmIlE.
(4) What's closed and what's open on the Fourth of July?. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/whats-closed-and-whats-open-on-the-fourth-of-july/ar-AA1dncVv.
(5) 7 Patriotic Ways to Celebrate Fourth of July With Your Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-celebrate-july-fourth-with-your-family-5190662.
(6) How to Celebrate July 4th: Surprising Independence Day Traditions. https://www.newsweek.com/celebrate-4-july-traditions-1719780.