John Trumbull’s painting Declaration of Independence (1795) inspired the image on the reverse of the $2 bill.
Here is an interesting link to how many bills the US is printing in this digital age:
https://explore.data.gov/Economic/Annual-Production-Figures-of-United-States-Currenc/ym8u-jtw3
Facts about how printed money is produced annually:
- Between the Fort Worth, Texas and the Washington, DC facilities, approximately 11.1 tons of ink per day were used during FY 2012.
- During Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing delivered approximately 35 million notes a day with a face value of approximately $1.5 billion.
- During Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing delivered approximately 8.4 billion notes at an average cost of 8.7 cents per note.
- Over 90 percent of the notes that the BEP delivers each year are used to replace notes already in, or taken out of circulation.
These things also happened on the 4th of July:
1776: The United States Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, is adopted by the Continental Congress. The declaration is actually signed on Aug. 2, 1776, and not on July 4.
1778: George Washington orders a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute to mark the occasion.
1801: Thomas Jefferson holds the first Fourth of July celebration at the Executive Mansion in Washington, D.C. Refreshments are served and the U.S. Marine Band plays.
1826: Jefferson and Adams die on the same day, exactly 50 years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
1831: James Monroe, fifth president of the U.S., dies in New York. He is the third president to die on the Fourth of July.
1963: A tradition of naturalization ceremonies held at Monticello each Independence Day begins. They are often attended by U.S. presidents.
Here’s a link to the Top 5 Myths About the Fourth of July as well from the History News Network at George Mason University. Wishing you all a safe and happy July 4th holiday!