Hooray! It’s another year of celebrating the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted 238 years ago on July 4, 1776. It’s a time of celebration with our families and friends, watching fireworks, and eating lots of food.  As you prepare for your day of fun, here are a few facts you may not know:

• Although adopted on July 4, it wasn’t officially signed on this day.
• More than one copy exists.
• A riot broke out in New York upon the news and a statue of George III was melted to shape more than 42,000 musket balls.
• Eight of the 56 signers were born in Britain and not America.
• Richard Stockton became the only signer to later recant his support of the revolution.
• One of the copies sold for $8.1 million.

For expanded explanations and additional things you may not know, go to History.com. And as always, be safe and have a great day!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of YA/MG fiction