From Cleveland.com:

Did you know the following facts?

• The Fourth of July was not declared a national holiday until 1941.

• The stars on the original American flag were in a circle so all the Colonies would appear equal.

• Benjamin Franklin thought the turkey was a better choice as the national bird than the bald eagle.

• The number of Americans who will spend the holiday at other people’s homes is approximately 41 million.

• The first official Fourth of July party was held at the White House in 1801.

• Approximately 150 million hot dogs are consumed on this day.

• Presidents John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe all died on the Fourth. Adams and Jefferson died on the same day within hours of each other in 1826.

• The percentage of American homes with an outdoor grill is 87 percent.

• The amount of chicken purchased the week before the holiday is 700 million pounds.

• The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men from 13 colonies.

• In 1776, there were 2.5 million people living in the new nation. (Today there are 311 million.)

• There are more than 30 towns nationwide that have the word “Liberty” in their names.