How Much Do You Know About Independence Day?

Where in Asia would you find this location of Nathan’s Famous hot dogs? Photo from Nathan’s Famous.

Americans all know about fireworks, barbecues, hot dogs, parades and the other modern-day manifestations of the July 4 holiday, but how much do you really know about Independence Day, especially as it relates to travel or travel destinations?

Take this quiz and find out. (Baby boomers, how well do you remember your history?)

1. True or false: As one of the 13 original colonies, Vermont was the only one that refused to ratify the Declaration of Independence.

2. Which U.S. president was born on the Fourth of July in Plymouth Notch, Vermont?

3. Name two Asian countries where you can now buy a Nathan’s Famous New York hot dog, similar to those gobbled up in the annual hot dog eating contest at New York’s Coney Island:

a. Indonesia and Japan

b. Malaysia and Afghanistan

c. China and Mongolia

d. Vietnam and India

Nantucket, Massachusetts — first to see the sunrise? Photo by Catharine Norton.

4. If you want to be the first to see the sunrise on July 4 within the continental United States, where would you head?

a. Nantucket, Massachusetts

b. West Quoddy Head, Maine

c. Mars Hill Mountain, Maine

d. None of the above.

5. True or False: Independence Day celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1776.

6. True or False: July 4 is the second deadliest day of the year for traveling on America’s highways, trailing only New Year’s Day.

7. One place in the U.S. claims it’s possible to watch fireworks set off in seven states at one time. Name the place — and can you really see seven states from there?

8. Three of the first five U.S. presidents died on July 4. Name the one who died near Charlottesville, Virginia. (Bonus points for naming all three of the presidents)

The Declaration of Independence from the National Archives.

9. The Declaration of Independence on view in Washington’s National Archives has an inscription on the back that reads:

a. “John Dunlap, Printer”

b. “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776”

c. “On this day henceforth we live free or die in the battle against tyranny”

d. There is no inscription on the back.

10. Name three other countries in the world that have celebrated American Independence Day:

a. Norway, Denmark, and the Philippines

b. Sweden, France, and Brazil

c. Portugal, Spain, and Andorra

d. Liberia, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic

l’ll have the answers in my next post. Let me know how you did either by leaving a comment or emailing me at clark@clarknorton.com. And if you live in the U.S. or are an American abroad, have a great and safe Fourth of July!

Note: This quiz originally appeared in clarknorton.com on July 3, 2015.  Back by popular demand!