In honor of our country’s 232nd birthday and the beginning of our legal system, here are a few fun facts about July 4th from throughout the years. Some you know and some you may not…

The Declaration of Independence is adopted in 1776 but signed only by John Hancock. His infamous signature would not be joined by other delegates from the Continental Congress until August of that year.

Founding Fathers John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe all spent their last day celebrating the anniversary of their country’s independence. Adams and Jefferson passed away in 1826 while Monroe joined them only 5 years later.

Sing Happy Birthday to President Calvin Coolidge! He would turn 136 today.

America makes room for the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the French in 1884, although it was not dedicated until almost two years later.

Alaska and Hawaii are officially added to the flag of the United States in 1959 and 1960 respectively, creating the image seen everywhere today.

The US lands their second space craft and first rover on the surface of Mars in 1997 allowing for the first analysis of the mysterious planets composition.

Source: NYtimes.com, infoplease.com