The U.S. Declaration of Independence became official on July 4, 1776.
The Second Continental Congress adopted the document on that date in Philadelphia. It announced that the Thirteen Colonies regarded themselves as free and independent states rather than colonies of Great Britain. July 4 therefore became the date associated with American independence and is celebrated annually as Independence Day.
The Declaration was drafted mainly by Thomas Jefferson, with assistance from John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston. Congress edited Jefferson's draft before approving it. The document's famous opening presents a theory of natural rights and explains why the colonies believed separation from Britain was justified.
A common mix-up concerns the signing date. The final parchment copy is dated July 4, but most delegates signed it primarily on August 2, 1776, with some signatures added later. The adoption date, not the main signing ceremony, is the date commemorated by America's 250th anniversary in 2026.