Five Things You Need to Know: Fourth of July Edition

Here are five things to know about America for July 4.

1. The legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain actually occurred on July 2, 1776. Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4.

2. In 1778 General George Washington celebrated Fourth of July with by giving his soldiers a double portion of rum.

3. Independence Day became a paid federal holiday in 1938.

4. In 1820 Eastport, Maine celebrated the first Fourth of July holiday.

5. Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest has been held on July 4 every year since 1916.