1776: First Independence Day; U.S. declares its intention to sever its ties with Great Britain

1826: Year President John Adams died; he was a critical voice in the fight for independence

1826: Year President Thomas Jefferson died; he was the major writer of the Declaration of Independence

2.5 million: Number of people living in the colonies in 1776

9.6 million: Number living in the United States in 1826

Sources: The New American Desk Encyclopedia, 1993; U.S. Census Web site