10 Other Reasons to Celebrate the Fourth of July

Traditionally, we celebrate the Fourth of July in honor of the foundation of this country. But the signing of the Declaration of Independence wasn’t the only awesome thing that happened on this day. Break out the fireworks, beer and red meat, because here are 10 other reasons to celebrate the Fourth of July.

1855–The first edition of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass is published.

1865–The first edition of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is published.

1884–Buffalo Bill Cody stages first Wild West Show.

1933–Work on Oakland Bay Bridge Begins

1939–The New York Yankees retire their first uniform. Their pick? Lou Gehrig, #4.

1964–The Beach Boys’ “I Get Around” reaches #1.

1969–“Give Peace a Chance” by The Plastic Ono Band is released in the UK.

1970– “American Top 40” with Casey Kasem premieres in LA.

1975–Mr. and Mrs. Conehead get married.

1980–Nolan Ryan strikes out 3,000.

This article appears in Jun 30 – Jul 6, 2011.