The Fourth of July 2010

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.

309.6 million
The nation’s estimated population on this July Fourth. Source: Population clock

http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb10-ff12.html