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Fun Facts About the Fourth

A look at some facts about Americans, the Fourth of July celebration and more.

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Sonia Dasgupta, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
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Today marks the 235th anniversary of our nation’s independence.

And although the Fourth of July is often a time for family and friends to get together, watch a parade and fireworks or head to the shore, it’s also a time to reflect on being an American and appreciate the efforts of the soldiers — then and now — who fought and continue to fight for the independence we have in this country.

It was today in 1776, that the Continental Congress allowed 13 colonies to function together as a sovereign nation, by approving the Declaration of Independence.

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So here are some fun facts about this holiday from the U.S. Census Bureau.


  • Last year, the United States spent $3.2 million importing American flags into the country, a majority of which ($2.8 million worth) was made in China. Only about $486,000 worth of American flags were exported from the U.S. and Mexico was the biggest customer, purchasing about $256,400 worth.

  • There at 31 places in the nation that have the word “liberty” in them. As of April 1, 2010, Liberty, MO has the highest population at 29,149 residents. Thirty-five places have “eagle” in its name, while 11 places have “independence” in their names, nine places have the word “freedom”, five places have “America” in their names and only one has “patriot in its name. It’s in Indiana and 209 people live there.

  • You can bet on the fact that Americans will consume hot dogs and pork sausages this holiday that came from Iowa. It’s more than a 1 in 4 chance. As of March 1, 2011, the state was home to 19 million hogs and pigs, according to the USDA.

  • Texas produced 6.8 billion pounds of cattle and calves in 2010 – making it a high probability that those burgers and steaks you might consume today come from Texas.

  • Six states are the leaders in chicken production — Georgia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas, while a third of the baked beans are produced in North Dakota.

  • As for all those July 4th barbecues — last year 81 million Americans went to a barbecues, according to the Census.

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