JULY 4TH

Painting showing Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Benjamin Franklin presenting the first draft of the Declaration of Independence to the Second Continental Congress.

The Pursuit of Happiness: The True Meaning of the Misunderstood Phrase

When the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, both 'pursuit' and 'happiness' had secondary definitions that change the meaning of the iconic quote.

9 Things to Do When Your Pet Goes Missing

Losing an animal is a stressful situation, but it’s important to stay calm, act fast, and prepare a comprehensive plan of action. Here are nine things you should do if your pet ever goes missing.

Parades are a big part of the festivities.

10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Fourth of July

One Founding Father thought we were celebrating on the wrong day, but that hasn’t stopped Americans from pulling out all the stops on July 4.

The Original Version of the Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson was not happy about some of the edits made to his draft. Here's what didn't make the final cut.

Pepsi Unveils Pepsi-Flavored Ketchup for the Fourth of July

Could the best ketchup contain cola? Pepsi is putting that question to the test.

The Best (and Worst) Times to Hit the Road This Fourth of July Weekend

More than 50 million Americans will travel this holiday weekend. Here's how to avoid most of them.

John Adams predicted people would celebrate Independence Day with fireworks.

The History of Fourth of July Fireworks

The celebration of American Independence Day has never been small, subdued, or quiet. Here’s why the Fourth of July is illuminated with colorful displays in major cities, small towns, and backyards.

There’s a science behind all those colors.

How Do Fireworks Get Their Colors?

The chemistry behind the vibrant colors of fireworks is another reason to “ooh” and “aah” at the sky this Fourth of July.

Look closely, and you will see Mary Katharine Goddard’s name at the bottom of the Declaration of Independence.

Remembering Mary Katharine Goddard, the Only Woman Whose Name Appeared on the Declaration of Independence

Mary Katharine Goddard was one of America’s first publishers, and she was tasked with printing and delivering the Declaration of Independence to the 13 colonies.

Watch This Amazing Slow-Motion Video of Daytime Fireworks Exploding

The colored smoke of daytime fireworks creates what The Slow Mo Guys describe as a “rainbow volcano.”

There are steps you can take to make the Fourth of July less stressful for your dog.

5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm on the Fourth of July

Fourth of July fireworks and parties can be distressing for dogs—and their pet parents. Here are tips that can help.

Which Stores Are Open on July 4th?

If you need to pick up some last-minute grilling supplies on July 4th, these major grocery and retail stores will be open.

The 13 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Washington, D.C.

We've covered a lot of the best foods, destinations, and bookstores in all 50 states here at Mental Floss. Now, it's our capital city's turn.

The 25 Most Patriotic States in America

July 4th is a day when the sentiment "proud to be an American" is openly proclaimed countrywide. But where do people most display their patriotism the other 364 days of the year?

Watch What Happens When Mannequins Misuse Fireworks

The Fourth of July can bring out the worst in people when it comes to mishandling fireworks. An educational video demonstrates their effect on mannequins.

The 10 Best Cities in America to Celebrate the Fourth of July

Looking to take an Independence Day road trip? Why not head to one of these cities, where fireworks and festivities rule on the Fourth of July.

Nathan’s Famous is a staple of Coney Island.

14 Hot and Juicy Facts About Nathan's Famous

Nathan's hot dogs are as American as, well, Nathan's hot dog eating contest.

These Digital Fireworks Displays Can Help You Celebrate July 4 Wherever You Live

Enjoy the festivities of the Fourth wherever you live.

How Do Fireworks Actually Work?

Most of us just know to light the fuse and stand back.

bauhaus1000/iStock via Getty Images Plus

13 Rules for Displaying the American Flag

You might need to figure out some geography before hanging that flag.

How Americans Celebrated Independence Day in 1777

Unofficially, the celebrations started just a year after the Declaration of Independence was actually ratified.

18 Vintage Photos of People Celebrating Independence Day

You'll likely spend July 4th grilling, drinking, and watching fireworks. Here's how people celebrated in years gone by.

By Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Tiny Town That’s Home to America’s Oldest July 4th Celebration

Bristol, Rhode Island covers only about 10 square miles of the country's terrain, but it's home to one of America's most storied Independence Day celebrations.

What does Betsy Ross have to do with it? Probably not as much as you learned in history class...

12 Fun Facts About the U.S. Flag

Flag Day is June 14. If you’re wondering what that date has to do with the Stars and Stripes, why the flag looks the way it does, who came up with it, who paid for it, and what you can and can’t do with it—read on.