The American Automobile Association is estimating a significant increase in the number
of travelers expected this 4th of July. Both air and automobile travel are forecasted to
rise at least 17%, totaling about 34.9 million travelers. The association also estimates
that most of these travelers will prefer to commute by car, bus, or train, due to drop in
gasoline prices in comparison to the previous year. Among some of the most popular
destinations for 4th of July travel include: tours to Mt. Rushmore, trips to the Grand
Canyon, and sightseeing tours of Los Angeles.

Before you decide on where to visit during the long weekend, here are a few fun
facts about Independence Day for you to impress your family and friends with!

• In 1941, Congress declared the 4th of July a national holiday. It is one of the few
holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday
• The U.S. imports about $209 million worth of fireworks from China a year.
• Supposedly the 2nd day of July is the actual Independence Day as this was the
day Congress actually voted for independence. However, the document wasn’t
completed until the 4th.
• During the 19th century, Independence Day was celebrated by firing explosives
left over from various wars.
• Troops also wore the color green during this holiday, but later favored red, white
and blue colors.
• Benjamin Franklin had originally wanted the turkey to be our nation’s animal
instead of the bald eagle.
• Our national anthem reflects the tune of an old English drinking song called To
Anacreon in Heaven.
• The first 4th July party was held at the White House in 1801.
• Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on Independence Day, July 4 1826.
• After someone joked that U.S. stood for “Uncle Sam,” this fictional character
became the symbol of the nation’s government.