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Today marks 242 years of independence for the United States! The Fourth of July is a day in which the nation celebrates the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signed on July 1776. In commemoration of Independence Day, the U.S. Census Bureau has released interesting facts about the Founding Fathers, the nation’s changing population and the various ways Americans celebrate this national holiday.
Independence Day History
- The Declaration of Independence, which included 56 signatures, including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, was approved on July 4, 1776 by the 13 colonies.
- John Hancock, a merchant, was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. There were 1.1 million businesses with paid employees in the retail trade industry in 2016 —just like Hancock.
- Benjamin Franklin, from Pennsylvania, was the oldest signer at 70 years of age, while Edward Rutledge, from South Carolina, was the youngest at 26.
- There were an estimated 2.5 million people living in the independent nation in July 1776. Today, there are 326 million people living in the United States.
Fun Facts
- There were $368.6 million worth of fireworks sold in the United States in 2012.
- The value of fireworks imported into the United States in 2017 is approximately $280 million.
- $5 million is the value of United States imports of American Flags in 2016, while the value of exported flags was almost $30 million.
- There are approximately 650 snack food manufacturers in the United States.
- Nature parks in the United States are numbered at around 700.
Whether you plan to spend a day at the beach, a concert, a backyard barbecue or watching colorful firework displays from the comfort of your home, NAWRB wishes you a memorable and relaxing holiday with your family, friends and loved ones.