By the Numbers: Independence Day

By Jim Lundstrom , Peninsula Pulse – June 30th, 2016

Photo by Len Villano.

Number of signers of the Declaration of Independence who recanted the signing (Richard Stockton of New Jersey, who did so while being held a prisoner of the British).

Age of the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence (Edward Rutledge of South Carolina).

Number of signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Percentage of Americans who attend a fireworks display on the 4th.

Age of the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence (Benjamin Franklin).

1781

The year Massachusetts became the first state to make the 4th of July a state holiday.

1941

The year Congress declared Independence Day a federal legal holiday.

2.5 million

The number of people living in the new nation when the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

$3.1 million

The dollar value of U.S. flags exported in 2015.

150 million

Number of hot dogs consumed on the 4th of July.

$311.7 million

The value of fireworks imported from China in 2015.

Source: history.com, infoplease.com.