Fireworks explode above Washington, D.C., on Independence Day. The Fourth of July is a big day for Americans: fireworks light up the sky, parades march through towns, and neighborhood cookouts sizzle with burgers and hot dogs. This holiday marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In fact, Congress secretly voted for independence on July 2nd and finalized the Declaration two days later. Today Americans love to celebrate with food. It’s estimated that around $9.5 billion will be spent on food for this July 4th, and roughly 150 million hot dogs will be eaten! Let’s dive into some fun Independence Day facts, a brief history of the holiday, and classic American traditions – then fire up the grill for five all-American recipes perfect for the 4th of July.
The History of Independence Day
In 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies came together to break away from Great Britain. Two key dates stand out: on July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence, and on July 4 the final text of the Declaration of Independence was approved and published. The Declaration, written mainly by Thomas Jefferson, famously declared “that all men are created equal,” and included the signatures of our Founding Fathers. Tradition says the first public reading of this document took place in Philadelphia on July 8th of that year. John Adams predicted that Independence Day would be celebrated “with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations” – fireworks and all! (He was quite literal – fireworks and bonfires have been part of the celebration since the very first Independence Day events.) By custom, Americans observe July 4th every year. Congress made it an official holiday in 1870. So for over 240 years, we’ve been marking that historic day with patriotism and celebration.
Celebrations and Traditions
Families watch fireworks from a park on the 4th of July. Today, Independence Day is all about fun, freedom, and spending time with family and friends. Most people grill or picnic outdoors – think juicy hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and barbecued chicken. Classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans and sweet corn on the cob are staples on the table. Now that we know what Independence Day means and how Americans celebrate it, let’s turn to the food – the best part of any July 4th gathering. Below are five classic recipes that will make your patriotic feast a hit.
5 Classic Fourth of July Recipes
- Classic Cheeseburgers. Bite into juicy grilled burgers topped with melty cheese and fresh fixings. A classic 4th of July main dish perfect for backyard barbecues and
- Creamy Potato Salad. Creamy potato salad made with tender potatoes, mayo, mustard, and crunchy celery. A classic American side dish for 4th of July picnics and barbecues.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob. Juicy corn on the cob grilled or boiled and slathered with butter and salt. A simple, sweet summer side dish perfect for 4th of July cookouts.
- All-American Apple Pie. A classic apple pie with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples in a flaky crust. This homemade fruit pie is a timeless dessert that completes any July 4th feast.
- Patriotic Berry Trifle. Layers of fluffy cake, sweet whipped cream, and fresh strawberries and blueberries make this no-bake patriotic trifle a refreshing 4th of July treat.
