By what year had the population of the American colonies reached 1.6 million?

The population of the American colonies reached approximately 1.6 million by the year 1760. This growth was significant considering that the colonies had a population of about 250,000 in 1700. The increase was driven by various factors, including high birth rates, immigration from Europe, and the natural fertility of the colonial population. By the mid-18th century, the colonies were experiencing rapid expansion, particularly in areas like New England and the mid-Atlantic regions.

By comparison, earlier years such as 1740 saw a lesser population due to the more gradual growth trends, while in 1780 and 1800, the population figures had increased further as the American Revolution had already taken place, resulting in a more established population. Thus, the year 1760 is significant as it marks a critical threshold when the population of the colonies was documented to reach that 1.6 million mark.