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. Independence Day, commonly known as July 4th or the Fourth of July, commemorates the Continental Congress’ adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The document, primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, served as a formal announcement that the 13 American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire and would henceforth be free and independent states. Regarded as the birthday of the United States of America, the day is typically celebrated with parades, fireworks, ceremonies, barbecues and family gatherings.
On this day in 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation was 2.5 million. Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970.
The nation’s estimated population on this July Fourth is 309.6 million. Source: Population clock.
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH!
