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7 Urban Legends About the 4th of July

A collection of founding myths related to events surrounding America's Independence Day.

Published July 3, 2015

 (rozbyshaka / Shutterstock)
Image courtesy of rozbyshaka / Shutterstock

1) The Price They Paid

An popular essay outlines the tragic fates of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, but its historicity is dubious.

 

 


2) John Hancock and Bull Story

When John Hancock affixed his famously large signature to the Declaration of Independence, he proclaimed, "There, I guess King George will be able to read that!" Real story or venerable historical legend?

 

 


3) George Washington's Vision

George Washington's account of an angel who revealed a prophetic vision of America to him at Valley Forge was popular in the mid-19th century.

 

 


4) No Way, No Jay

Why does Washington, D.C., have no 'J' Street? Legend holds it's because city designer Pierre L'Enfant bore a grudge against Chief Justice John Jay.

 

 


5) Linked List

Photographs show a mass re-enlistment ceremony held in Iraq on the Fourth of July in 2008.

 

 


6) White House Wash

Washington lore claims the White House obtained its name because it was repainted white after invading British troops burned it in 1814.

 

 


7) Declaration of Financial Independence

A lucky bargain hunter became a millionaire after finding an original print of the Declaration of Independence in the frame of an old painting.

 

 

David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994.