Grab your sparklers and look skyward—the Fourth of July is almost upon us. The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Begun during the American Revolution, it has been America's most important patriotic holiday ever since.

• Consumer Fireworks 
  Find information about state regulations concerning the sell of consumer fireworks.


• Slideshow: Cherry Blossoms of Washington, D.C. 
  Pictures and facts about cherry trees in Washington, D.C.


• Slideshow: Washington, D.C. Landmarks 
  Pictures and facts about notable landmarks in Washington, D.C.


• Slideshow: Statues around Washington, D.C. 
  Pictures and facts about statues that are found around the district.


• Patriotic Music for Independence Day 
  The best songs for your 4th of July picnic


• Fireworks Jigsaw Game 
  Try to put these crazy fireworks back together


• Independence Day by the
  Numbers
  How many flags, how many hot dogs


• Facts on Fireworks
  A brief history of the world's favorite explosives


• History of July 4th Celebrations
  America's biggest secular holiday


• Founders' Wisdom
  Quotations from signers of the Declaration of Independence


• Star Mangled Banner
  A look at some controversial, and botched, renditions of our national anthem


• Born on the 4th of July
  Who else celebrates birthdays on July 4th?


• History of the Declaration of Independence
  The formal declaration announcing the separation of the colonies from Great Britain


Good times in the backyard

• Hot Dogs Galore
  In honor of National Hot Dog Month, some answers to those dogging questions