This has been batted around for a while but many historians think it really should have been July 2 not July 4 that we celebrate our Day of Independence.

From the National Archive little know facts-
“Independence Day Should Have Been July 2” –July 2, 1776 is the day that the Continental Congress actually voted for independence. John Adams, in his writings, even noted that July 2 would be remembered in the annals of American history and would be marked with fireworks and celebrations. The written Declaration of Independence was dated July 4 but wasn't actually signed until August 2. Fifty-six delegates eventually signed the document, although all were not present on that day in August.”

Here are some other little factoids-

Interestingly enough only John Hancock (President of the Continental Congress) and Charles Thomson (Secretary) signed the original working copy of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. And that original document is lost. What we have from July 4, are the printings of John Dunlap.

Another little fun factoid is that in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776 the first ever Independence Day celebration.  From the Tower of Independence hall the Liberty Bell was rung calling all the citizens to congregate to hear Colonel John Nixon give the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Also, Thomas Jefferson on June 24th 1823 declined an invitation to come to Washington, D.C., for the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This happened to be the last letter that Thomas Jefferson ever wrote.