Independence Day Fun Facts

On July 4, 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.

Peekskill’s starts at 10 a.m. The route: Highland Ave - Division Street - South Street - Hudson Avenue - ending at Railroad Avenue. The Peekskill Fire Department produces the parade and fireworks show at night. This year’s fireworks show is either the 49^th or 50^th, says the Departments public information officer. There is an on-going debate between Peekskill firefighters – some remember the first fireworks show in 1961, others say it was not until 1962. Are there any old-timers with a sharp memory out there that can confirm either way?

The Fire Department is also celebrating its 185^th Anniversary this year. Peekskill’s Columbian Engine Company, the oldest of the city’s six fire companies, was formed in 1826. It is the ninth oldest fire department in the state and one of the top 25 oldest in the country, according to Deputy Chief John Pappas. Congratulations Peekskill FD!

Fun Fourth of July Facts:

 -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

Flags

-$3.2 million
In 2010, the dollar value of U.S. imports of American flags. The vast majority of this amount ($2.8 million) was for U.S. flags made in China.
Source:  Foreign Trade Statistics

-$486,026
Dollar value of U.S. flags exported in 2010. Mexico was the leading customer, purchasing $256,407 worth.
Source:  Foreign Trade Statistics


-$302.7 million
Annual dollar value of shipments of fabricated flags, banners and similar emblems by the nation's manufacturers, according to the latest published economic census data.
Source: 2007 Economic Census, Series EC0731SP1, Products and Services Code 3149998231

Fireworks

-$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

-$231.8 million
The value of U.S. manufacturers' shipments of fireworks and pyrotechnics (including flares, igniters, etc.) in 2007.
Source: 2007 Economic Census, Series EC0731SP1, Products and Services Code 325998J108

Patriotic-Sounding Place Names

-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).

Source:  American FactFinder <www.census.gov>

Early Presidential Last Names

-138
Ranking of the frequency of the surname of our first president, George Washington, among all last names tabulated in the 2000 Census. Other early presidential names that appear on the list, along with their ranking, were Adams (39), Jefferson (594), Madison (1,209) and Monroe (567).
Source: Census 2000 Genealogy

The British are Coming!

$98.3 billion
Dollar value of trade last year between the United States and the United Kingdom, making the British, our adversary in 1776, our sixth-leading trading partner today.
Source: Foreign Trade Statistics