Celebrating America at 250
Fascinating Facts and Stories from Our Nation’s Journey
Every Fourth of July, Americans celebrate with fireworks, parades, family gatherings, and traditions that have been passed down for generations. This year, those celebrations take on even greater meaning as the United States commemorates 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
To honor this historic milestone, we’ve gathered some fascinating facts and stories that highlight the people, events, innovations, and traditions that helped shape our nation. From the signing of the Declaration and the origins of Independence Day to the growth of American manufacturing and the evolution of the energy industry, each story reflects the ingenuity, determination, and pioneering spirit that continue to define America today.
We hope you enjoy this look back as we celebrate 250 years of American independence.
“Declaration of Independence” by John Trumbull (1819) John Trumbull’s famous painting depicts the presentation of the draft Declaration to Congress. While often mistaken for the signing itself, it actually shows the committee presenting the document before its adoption.
Why Do We Celebrate on July 4?
It’s one of the most common questions about Independence Day, and the answer surprises many people.
The Continental Congress actually voted for independence on July 2, 1776, approving Richard Henry Lee’s resolution declaring the thirteen colonies “free and independent States.” In other words, July 2 was the day America officially chose independence.
So why isn’t Independence Day celebrated on July 2?
Two days later, on July 4, Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence. That version was dated July 4, 1776, printed overnight by John Dunlap, and distributed throughout the colonies. Newspapers, town criers, and public officials all shared the Declaration bearing that date, forever linking July 4 with America’s birth.
The famous handwritten copy wasn’t even signed that day. Most of the delegates signed the parchment on August 2, 1776, with a few adding their signatures later. In total, 56 men pledged “their Lives, their Fortunes and their sacred Honor” to support the cause of independence.
The Man Who Proposed American Independence
Richard Henry Lee may not be as well known as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or Benjamin Franklin, but without him, Independence Day might never have happened.
On June 7, 1776, Lee introduced a resolution to the Continental Congress declaring that the colonies “are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.” After weeks of debate, Congress approved his resolution on July 2, officially breaking ties with Great Britain.
Although history remembers July 4, it was Richard Henry Lee’s resolution that set American independence in motion.
Richard Henry Lee
Fireworks Have Been Part of America’s Birthday Since 1777
Fireworks have been part of Independence Day since the nation’s first birthday celebration in Philadelphia in 1777. The festivities included cannon salutes, bonfires, music, and decorated ships.
Even before that first celebration, John Adams predicted Americans would celebrate with ‘Pomp and Parade… Bonfires and Illuminations.’ Nearly 250 years later, his vision still comes to life every July 4.
While the celebrations have evolved over the past 250 years, from cannon salutes and bonfires to spectacular fireworks displays and neighborhood gatherings, the spirit behind Independence Day remains the same: celebrating the birth of a nation founded on the ideals of liberty and self-government.
The National 4th of July Fireworks display is seen from the roof of the White House during the 4th of July celebration at the White House, Monday, July 4, 2022.(Official White House Photo by Carlos Fyfe)
The Liberty Bell Probably Never Rang on July 4
The Liberty Bell is one of America’s best-known symbols, but historians believe it probably never rang on July 4, 1776. The story became popular decades later.
Although the legend isn’t historically supported, the bell has become a lasting symbol of liberty. Today it is ceremonially tapped thirteen times each Independence Day to represent the thirteen founding colonies.
The Liberty Bell, symbol of American independence
A Birthday Fit For A President
Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4, 1872, making him the only U.S. president born on Independence Day.
President Coolidge at the podium in 1928, by Harris & Ewing, photographer
A Remarkable Fourth of July Coincidence
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, two Founding Fathers who were once close allies before becoming political rivals, both died on July 4, 1826, within 5 hours of each other and exactly 50 years after the Declaration was adopted. Five years later, President James Monroe also passed away on July 4 in 1831.
Presidents Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe
Benjamin Franklin Thought the Turkey Deserved More Respect Than the Bald Eagle
One of America’s most famous historical stories is also one of its most misunderstood. Many people believe Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey to become the national bird instead of the bald eagle. While he never officially proposed replacing the eagle, Franklin did criticize its selection in a private letter to his daughter, Sarah Bache, in 1784.
In the letter, Franklin described the bald eagle as “a Bird of bad moral Character,” arguing that it often stole food from other birds instead of catching its own. He believed the wild turkey was a more respectable choice because it was native to America and known for its courage.
He even joked that a turkey would not hesitate to attack a British soldier wearing a red coat if one wandered into the farmyard.
Whether serious or humorous, Franklin’s observations remain one of the most entertaining stories from America’s founding
One of Ben Franklin’s most famous lines: “The Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America.”
America’s Oldest Fourth of July Celebration
Bristol, Rhode Island, has celebrated Independence Day every year since 1785, making it the nation’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration.
Bristol, RI (July 4, 2007)
Sailors from the Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island march the the 222nd annual 4th of July parade. New Negland Navy Week is currently underway, it is one of 26 Navy Weeks planned across America in 2007. Navy weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in the Navy and increase awareness in cities which do not have a significant everyday Navy presence. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lewis S. Hunsaker
America’s Founding Documents Were Hidden at Fort Knox
During World War II, the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights were secretly stored at Fort Knox until it was safe to return them to Washington.
Photograph of Archibald Macleish unboxing crate holding the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution after arriving back to the Library of Congress on 1 October 1944 after having been stored at the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox since 1941
The White House Began Celebrating in 1801
President Thomas Jefferson hosted the first official White House Independence Day celebration in 1801, beginning a tradition that continues today.
The White House lit up with red, white and blue lights for the 4th of July.
America’s Oil Industry Began in Pennsylvania
Many people associate America’s oil industry with Texas, but the nation’s first successful commercial oil well was drilled by Edwin L. Drake near Titusville, Pennsylvania, on August 27, 1859.
Using a steam-powered drilling rig, Drake struck oil at a depth of about 69 feet, proving petroleum could be commercially produced. His success launched the modern petroleum industry and forever changed transportation, manufacturing, and the global economy.
The first Drake Well in Titusville, PA, photo by McLaurin (1902)
Offshore Drilling Started from Wooden Piers
Long before today’s deepwater platforms, offshore drilling began in a much simpler way. In 1896, operators drilled wells from wooden piers extending into the Pacific Ocean at the Summerland Oil Field near Santa Barbara, California.
These pioneering wells marked the beginning of offshore oil production. Over the decades, the industry evolved from shallow-water wooden structures to the sophisticated offshore platforms operating around the world today.
Pumping oil from the sea – oil wells in the surf of Summerland, California, U.S.A, by H.C. White Co.
The Shale Revolution Changed American Energy
The next major chapter in American energy began more than a century later. During the 1980s and 1990s, George P. Mitchell pioneered the combination of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling in the Barnett Shale of Texas.
His persistence led to the commercial success of modern shale development, unlocking vast reserves of oil and natural gas that had once been considered unreachable. Today, the shale revolution has helped make the United States one of the world’s leading energy producers.
George P. Mitchell in his office in 1979 (Cynthia & George P. Mitchell Foundation)
Hydraulic fracturing involves drilling deep into the earth and injecting a high-pressure mix of water, sand, and chemicals to break up shale rock and release trapped natural gas from gas-rich layers below. (Cynthia & George P. Mitchell Foundation)
Celebrating 250 Years of American Ingenuity
As the United States marks 250 years of independence, we also honor the generations of Americans whose ingenuity, determination, and craftsmanship have propelled our nation forward. This proud tradition of innovation is alive and well at CORTEC.
Our story began in 1964, when Bobby Corte Sr. moved to Houma, Louisiana, and launched his career as a machinist supporting the burgeoning oil and gas industry. His unwavering commitment to quality and skill helped establish a thriving manufacturing business, earning a reputation for excellence throughout the industry.
In 2004, Bobby Corte Jr. carried that legacy into the future by founding CORTEC. In 2006, Larry Chauvin III joined Bobby Corte Jr. as a partner, establishing CORTEC Manifold Systems (CMS) and expanding the company’s capabilities with the addition of its ball valve division.
Guided by the same values of quality, innovation, and dedication to our customers, CORTEC has grown into a trusted manufacturer of flow-control solutions for energy operators worldwide.
From all of us at CORTEC, Happy Independence Day—and Happy 250th Birthday, USA!
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