From Census Bureau - 4th of July random facts:
On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.
2.5 million — In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.
Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970
311.7 million — The nation's estimated population on this July Fourth.
Source: Population clock
$190.7 million — The value of fireworks imported from China in 2010, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks imported ($197.3 million). U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $37.0 million in 2010, with Japan purchasing more than any other country ($6.3 million).
Source: Foreign Trade Statistics
Thirty-one places have "liberty" in their names. The most populous one as of April 1, 2010, is Liberty, Mo. (29,149) Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.
Thirty-five places have "eagle" in their names. The most populous one is Eagle Pass, Texas (26,248).
Eleven places have "independence" in their names. The most populous one is Independence, Mo. (116,830)
Nine places have "freedom" in their names. The most populous one is New Freedom, Pa. (4,464)
One place with "patriot" in the name. Patriot, Ind. (209)
Five places have "America" in their names. The most populous is American Fork, Utah (26,263).
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