How We Roll

WASHINGTON--June 5, 2014: Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

HOW WE ROLL

Profile America — Thursday, June 5th. In 1940, a major problem facing the nation was finding a replacement for rubber. War clouds were gathering, and the supply of natural rubber from Asia was threatened. On this date 74 years ago, the first synthetic rubber tire was displayed in Akron, Ohio. It was made by the B.F. Goodrich Company from readily available ingredients — soap, gas, petroleum, and air — and greatly helped the looming war effort. Now, natural rubber is used once again to make a huge variety of tires, annually replacing millions worn out by motor vehicles, aircraft and other wheeled vehicles. The U.S. makes over $18 billion worth of tires annually, and imports an additional $15 billion worth. You can find current data on the country's economy by downloading the America's Economy mobile application at U.S. Census Mobile.

Sources: Kane's Famous First Facts, 5502 Famous Facts U.S. Census