Why did they name 76 gas station, 76?

Question

This is the gas station with the big orange ball that has blue letters.

Answer 1

Here is some info. on the origin of the Union 76 brand-
http://www.answers.com/topic/unocal-corporation-1

"Union emerged from the Great Depression with an advertising motif that stood the test of time. In 1932 the company was looking for a distinctive brand name for its gasoline. Robert Matthews, a director and British national who was studying U.S. history to qualify for citizenship, suggested "Union '76," as in "The Spirit of '76" for its patriotic connotations. The octane rating of Union's most potent gasoline also happened to be 76, and the marketing department adopted Matthews's idea."

Answer 2

Union 76 Gas Stations