JULY 4TH

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.

Food is a big part of many Fourth of July celebrations.

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.

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.

When a pizza oven like this hits your backyard, that's amore.

8 of the Best Fourth of July Sales to Shop From Solo Stove, Sur La Table, and More

Discover eight of the best Fourth of July sales to shop this weekend from retailers like Anthropologie, Leesa, and Solo Stove.

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.

12 Facts About Born on the Fourth of July

Tom Cruise earned his first Best Actor Oscar nomination for Oliver Stone's star-spangled Vietnam War flick, but the role of Ron Kovic was supposed to be Al Pacino's.

Traveling for the Fourth of July? Here Are the Worst Times to Leave Your House

If you're traveling from a major city for the Fourth of July, avoid leaving the house during one of these heavy-traffic windows flagged by AAA.

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.

What's Really Inside a Hot Dog?

You've probably wondered what's really inside a hot dog before. We have the answer—though we don't recommend reading it before your next cook-out.

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.