Americans celebrate July 4th, also known as Independence Day, to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on the same date in 1776. This historic document declared the On July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary—Jefferson and Adams died just hours apart. James Monroe also died on July 4, five years later in 1831. President Zachary Taylor fell ill after attending the July 4 events in 1850 and died five days later. The “Star-Spangled Banner” was written during the War of 1812, not the Revolution. July 4th is significant because it is the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress, a governing body comprising delegates from the 13 American colonies. The document officially declared the United States of America's independence from British rule. Every year on July 4, kids and adults alike gear up to celebrate Independence Day with barbecues, pool parties, parades, and fireworks displays. But with all of the patriotic festivities, people We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. But July 4, 1776 wasn't the day that the Continental Congress decided to declare independence (they did that on July 2, 1776). What actually happened on July 4, 1776 in the USA? On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Celebrate July 4th with fireworks, parades, and patriotic displays. Discover the history and traditions that make Independence Day special in the United States. Learn why Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4, including the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the holiday's historical and modern traditions. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This event announced the separation of the 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. What actually happened on July 4, 1776? On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress. Cruz also said it is one of several smaller communities that celebrate early because the larger cities, Cary and Raleigh, hold their festivities on July 4. Red, White & BOOM! begins at 5 p.m. at There’s no doubt the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. But which date has the legitimate claim on Independence Day: July 2 or July 4? If John Adams were alive today, he would tell you July 2. Other Founders would say July 4, the day that is currently recognized as a federal holiday by our national government. Over the centuries, the Fourth of July has also become a celebration of what it means to be American — from cultural diversity and community strength to resilience and innovation. How do Americans celebrate Independence Day? Fourth of July traditions vary from coast to coast, but some celebrations are universally recognisable: 55 Fun and Patriotic Things to Do to Celebrate July 4th . Celebrate Independence Day with these inspired ideas for kids, adults, friends and the whole family. June 24, 2025, 4:23 PM EDT. It marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted (July 4, 1776) and the United States officially became its own nation. American citizens celebrate America’s birthday with festivals What is the 4th of July? More than just a day off in the U.S., it's a day of celebration. Use this guide to brush up on July 4th history. John Adams, a Founding Father and the second president of the US, refused to celebrate July 4 because he believed July 2 was the true date of American independence. The Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, but the vote itself actually took place two days earlier, according to the History Channel. Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. After each ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute (in honor of the 13 colonies), the festivities continued, including an elegant dinner, a military demonstration and a performance by a Hessian band. July 4, also known as Independence Day, is a national holiday celebrated in the United States of America. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which declared independence from Great Britain. This day is marked by patriotic displays such as parades, fireworks, and barbecues.
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