Major U.S. Holiday Today: Independence Day

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Today marks the 247th Independence Day of the United States of America. Also known as the Fourth of July, this day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress, as well as the declaration by the Congress that the American colonies are free and independent states.

Interesting note: The delegates actually voted in favor of independence on July 2, 1776.

Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, spending an average of $1.5 billion on fireworks each year. Much of the credit for this tradition belongs to John Adams, who, according to History.com, made the following prediction in a letter to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776:

“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America,” Adams wrote. “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival…It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

Adams was close. The first organized Independence Day celebration took place on July 4, 1777.

Happy Independence Day!