How Much Do You Know About July 4th?

Randal C. Hill

50plus Magazine

In 1776, the Founding Fathers of the Second Continental Congress declared that we were no longer subject (or subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and that we were now 13 united, free and independent colonies. Our upstart Congress adopted their Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Thomas Jefferson had been selected to write the document’s first draft. While he did consult with a few others, he largely composed the Declaration of Independence himself over 17 days in a rented room at 700 Market Street in Philadelphia (today known as the Declaration House).

The historic document was signed by 56 white men — primarily lawyers, merchants and plantation owners — and included Jefferson, John Hancock, John and Samuel Adams, and Benjamin Franklin.

How well do you know this all-important piece of history? Let’s find out.