Did You Know?

2.5 million

The estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation in July 1776. 

331,449,281

The nation’s population on April 1, 2020.

56

The number of signers of the Declaration of Independence.

It is also worth noting that:

• John Hancock, a merchant by trade, was the first signer. In 2020, more than 1 million business establishments nationally with paid employees were in the retail trade industry like Hancock.
  Source: 2020 County Business Patterns, Table CB2000CBP

• Benjamin Franklin, who represented Pennsylvania, was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence at age 70. Pennsylvania had a resident population of 13,002,700 on April 1, 2020. Edward Rutledge of South Carolina was the youngest signer at age 26. South Carolina had a resident population of 5,118,425 on April 1, 2020.

Patriotic Places

• Places with the word “liberty” in their names.
  Source: Vintage 2021 Population Estimates

• Places with the word “union” in their names.
  Source: Vintage 2021 Population Estimates

Click here for more information on past Fourth of July Facts for Features and information on other patriotic celebrations including Bill of Rights Day, Constitution Day, Inauguration Day and much more.