Here at Venice Barbershop, we love a good story as much as we love a perfect fade. While you’re settling into our chairs for your traditional cut, beard trim, or hot lather shave, conversation often turns to history – especially around the 4th of July. So we’ve compiled 15 fascinating facts about Independence Day that even the most patriotic regulars might not know.

1. The Declaration Wasn’t Actually Signed on July 4th

While the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, most delegates didn’t sign it until August 2nd. Only John Hancock and Charles Thomson signed on the actual 4th. Talk about fashionably late!

2. Three Presidents Died on July 4th

In a remarkable coincidence, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826 – exactly 50 years after the Declaration was approved. Even more incredible, James Monroe died on July 4, 1831. Calvin Coolidge was the only president born on the 4th of July.

3. The Original “Uncle Sam” Was a Real Person

Samuel Wilson was a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of beef to the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. He stamped the barrels “U.S.” for United States, but soldiers joked it stood for “Uncle Sam” Wilson. The nickname stuck and became our national personification.

4. Americans Eat 150 Million Hot Dogs on July 4th

According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume about 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day alone. That’s enough to stretch from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles more than five times!

5. The Liberty Bell Hasn’t Rung Since 1846

The famous crack in the Liberty Bell actually prevented it from ringing on July 4th for over 175 years. The last time it rang was on February 23, 1846, for George Washington’s birthday, when the crack became too severe.

6. Fireworks Are an Ancient Chinese Tradition

The fireworks we love today were invented in China over 2,000 years ago. They were originally created to ward off evil spirits. The tradition came to America with European settlers, and the first recorded fireworks display in the U.S. was in 1777 in Philadelphia.

7. The Founding Fathers Preferred Beer Over Champagne

At the first Independence Day celebration in 1776, the Founding Fathers toasted with beer, rum, and Madeira wine – not champagne. George Washington even had his own brewery at Mount Vernon!

8. Massachusetts Was the First State to Make July 4th Official

While we celebrate nationwide now, Massachusetts was the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday in 1781. It took until 1870 for it to become a federal holiday.

9. The Original American Flag Had 13 Stripes AND 13 Stars

Betsy Ross’s original flag design featured 13 alternating red and white stripes and 13 white stars arranged in a circle on a blue field. Today’s flag still has 13 stripes representing the original colonies, but now sports 50 stars.

10. Benjamin Franklin Wanted the Turkey to be Our National Bird

Franklin thought the bald eagle was “a bird of bad moral character” and preferred the turkey, which he considered “a much more respectable bird.” Thankfully, the eagle won out – though we still eat plenty of turkey on holidays!

11. The White House Held Its First July 4th Party in 1801

Thomas Jefferson hosted the first Independence Day celebration at the White House in 1801. The tradition continues today, with the President typically hosting a barbecue and fireworks viewing.

12. “Yankee Doodle” Was Originally Meant to Mock Americans

This patriotic tune was actually written by British soldiers to make fun of colonial Americans. The colonists embraced it ironically and turned it into a symbol of American pride – talk about reclaiming your narrative!

13. The Statue of Liberty Was a Belated Birthday Gift

France gave us the Statue of Liberty in 1886 to celebrate our centennial – 10 years late! The French were originally planning to have it ready for 1876, but fundraising delays pushed back the completion.

14. Americans Move More on July 4th Than Any Other Day

According to moving companies, July 4th is the most popular moving day of the year. Nothing says “independence” like getting the keys to your new place on Independence Day!

15. The First July 4th Celebration Featured a Barber Shop Quartet

Well, maybe not exactly, but close! The first organized Independence Day celebration in 1777 featured 13 gunshots, speeches, and plenty of singing. Music has been a cornerstone of July 4th celebrations ever since.

Just like our Founding Fathers declared independence from Britain, why not declare independence from that overgrown hair? While we’re closed today and tomorrow to celebrate Independence Day with our families, we’ll be back Monday, ready to serve you with traditional cuts, precise beard trims, and luxurious hot lather shaves.

Hope you’re having a fantastic 4th of July! After all, there’s nothing more American than spending time with loved ones on this special day.

Venice Barbershop – Where traditional barbering never goes out of style. Located in beautiful South Venice, Florida.

Happy 4th of July from all of us at Venice Barbershop!