Every American knows that the 4th of July is Independence Day, but did you know these things also happened?

1802- The US Military Academy opened at West Point, NY.

1803 - The Louisiana Purchase is announced to the American people.

1826 - Former American presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams die, fifty years to the day after the adoption of the United States Declaration of Independence

1817 - The construction on the Erie Canal begins.

1831 - James Monroe, 5th President of the United States dies. (b. 1758)

1865 - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is published.

1872 - Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States was born. (d.1933)

1881 - Ulysses S. Grant III was born. (d. 1968)

1881 - In Alabama, the Tuskegee Institute opens.

1939 - Lou Gehrig announces his retirement from Major League baseball.

1959 - With the admission of Alaska, the 49-star flag of the United States debuts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1960- The number of stars on the American flag was increased to 50 to honor the new state of Hawaii.

1970 - Popular syndicated radio show, " American Top 40", hosted by Casey Kasem, debuts.

2004 - The cornerstone of the Freedom Tower is laid on the site of the World Trade Center in New York City. (This was largely a symbolic event; actual construction would not start for several weeks)