By the Numbers: Independence Day

3

The number of U.S. presidents who died on the 4th of July – John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the first Independence Day, and James Monroe died on July 4, 1831. Adams always believed Independence Day should have been celebrated on July 2, the day the Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain. July 4 was the day the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted.

9

The number of the 13 colonies that voted in favor of the Declaration of Independence. Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted no, Delaware was undecided and New York abstained.

56

The number of signers of the Declaration of Independence.

118.4

The average number of people killed in car accidents on the 4th of July in the past five years, making it the deadliest day for driving. New Year’s Day is right behind with an average of 118.2 traffic fatalities.

1870

The year Congress made July 4 a federal holiday.

1941

The year Congress granted a paid holiday to federal employees for Independence Day.

2.4 million

The dollar value of American flags purchased by residents of Mexico.

2.5 million

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

4.4 million

The dollar value of U.S. imports of American flags in 2015. The vast majority ($4.3 million) came from China.

311.7 million

The value of fireworks imported from China to the United States in 2015.

321.4 million

The nation’s current estimated population.

Source:  history.com, military.com, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, census.gov