Before you head off to enjoy the barbecues and fireworks, it’s time for our annual Independence Day fact file. Here is this most American of holidays by the numbers, courtesy of the Census Bureau:

• In July 1776, an estimated 2.5 million people lived in the 13 colonies . According to recent projections, there are 330 million residents as of July 1, 2019.
• The oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence was Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, age 70.
• The youngest signer, at age 26, was Edward Rutledge of South Carolina.
• $368.6 million worth of fireworks were sold in 2012 through establishments classified as NAICS 453998 and all other miscellaneous retailers (except tobacco stores).

Have a safe and happy holiday!