July 4, 1776, the day we believe the Declaration of Independence, America’s revolutionary Charter of Freedom, and the document upon which the nation’s founding principles was established. But July 4 wasn’t the day that independence was declared. Nor the day that the Declaration was officially signed.
On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
So what did happen on July 4, 1776?
This holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by delegates from the 13 colonies on July 4, 1776. On the 4th, the Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence.
This is the day we celebrate the birth of the United States of America!
Did you know three US presidents have died on July 4th?
John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe.
Notably, Adams and Jefferson died on the same day, July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.