Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States which commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. The Founding Father delegates of the Second Continental Congress declared that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer subject (and 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). Well, the day is very significant in American history. It marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted (July 4, 1776) and the United States officially became its own nation. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. The Constitution provides the legal and governmental framework for the United States. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration proclaimed the thirteen American colonies as independent states, free from British rule. The day of the week that July 4, 1776, fell on was Thursday. This date is significant in American history as it was the day the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, marking the United States' independence from Great Britain. Independence Day in the United States is a holiday celebrated annually on July 4. It is often called the Fourth of July. 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. July 4, 1776 was the 186th day of the year 1776 in the Gregorian calendar. There were 180 days remaining until the end of the year. The day of the week was Thursday. If you are trying to learn Spanish then this day of the week in Spanish is jueves. A person born on this day will be 248 years old today. These are the dates that always fall on the same day of the week. In 2015, this special day of the week, which Conway calls "Doomsday," was a Saturday. 4/4, 6/6, 8/8, 10/10 and 12/12 always fall on the same day of the week (Doomsday) in any year. Less than a month later, the delegates voted in favor of the resolution. July 4 soon became the day widely celebrated as America's birthday. Why do we set off fireworks on the 4th of July? 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. US Independence Day: On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson. The Fourth of July is celebrated as Independence Day in the United States of America every year. On July 4 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was largely authored by Thomson Jefferson. The document announced the separation of the 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. The vote actually took place on July 2 and was approved by 12 colonies (with New York abstaining). The final version of the Declaration of Independence was formally approved on July 4, which became the national holiday known as Independence Day. Historical events for the 4th of July. See what famous, interesting and notable events happened throughout history on July 4. What happens if July 4th falls on a Sunday? Independence Day is a federal holiday. If July 4 is a Sunday, it is observed on Monday, July 5. What else happened on July 4th? Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. When did July 4th fall on the last 10 years On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, in Philadelphia. A Brief History of Independence Day We think of July 4, 1776, as a day representing the Declaration of Independence, America’s revolutionary Charter of Freedom, and the document upon which the nation’s founding principles were established. But July 4 wasn’t the day that independence was declared. On July 4, 2025, the United States of America celebrates Independence Day, marking the 249th anniversary of its declaration of independence from British rule in 1776. While it is now a day of History July 4, 1776 marks the day the Declaration of Independence was voted in secretly by Congress for independence from Great Britain. The first sign of how this day would be celebrated was on July 3, 1776 from John Adams to his wife, Abigail, stating "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations."
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