For America250, on what date was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

For America250, the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.

The Second Continental Congress approved the final wording in Philadelphia. July 4 became the celebrated anniversary because it is the date printed on the document, even though Congress voted for independence on July 2. The Declaration announced that the thirteen colonies regarded themselves as free and independent states.

Signing also unfolded over time. Most delegates signed on August 2, 1776, rather than on July 4 itself. Thomas Jefferson drafted the document, with revisions by the Committee of Five and Congress. America250 marks 250 years from this 1776 declaration, making July 4, 2026, the central anniversary date. The date is therefore different from both the independence vote and the main signing ceremony.