Here Are Some Of The Awesome Ways Presidents Celebrate The Fourth Of July

George W Bush

For most Americans, the Fourth of July means a cookout, apple pie, parades and fireworks. But for the leader of the country, the day isn't usually that simple. 

In fact, you may be surprised with how some of America's leaders have spent their Independence Day holidays while in office.

From winning wars to celebrating birthdays with the troops, some presidents actually get to live out the cinematic Fourth of July fantasies of what it's like to be commander-in-chief. Others have enjoyed more peaceful festivities, like parades and White House fireworks. One president even spent Independence Day on his deathbed.

Needless to say, it is usually an action-packed day for the President of the United States. Here are some of the most interesting ways presidents have celebrated the Fourth of July. 


George Washington stayed in bed.

The country's first president didn't do much to celebrate the 13th birthday. Washington was reportedly ill on July 4, 1789, and spent the day in bed. But he did write a letter to the New York State Society of the Cincinnati, stating he had received their congratulations on that day, according to The Writings of George Washington.

In fairness to Washington, Fourth of July celebrations didn't really catch on until about 1820, and Independence Day wasn't declared a federal holiday until 1870. 

Thomas Jefferson, one of two Presidents to sign the Declaration of Independence, started the White House tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July with the first Independence Day reception in 1801.

Jefferson was also one of three consecutive presidents to die on the Fourth of July. Both he and John Adams, another signer of the Declaration of Independence, died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the country's independence. James Monroe, the nation's fifth president, died on July 4, 1831. 

William Henry Harrison never made it to the Fourth of July ? he died on April 4, 1841 during the first year of his first term.

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