The United States Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, during the founding era commemorated by America250.
The Second Continental Congress approved the document in Philadelphia after debating a resolution for independence. Thomas Jefferson drafted most of the text, while Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston served with him on the Committee of Five.
July 4 marks adoption, not necessarily the day every delegate signed the engrossed parchment. Most signatures were added on August 2, 1776, although some delegates signed later. This distinction is a frequent source of confusion because the document is dated July 4.
The Declaration announced that the thirteen colonies regarded themselves as independent states. The Revolutionary War had already begun in 1775, and the Treaty of Paris later recognized American independence in 1783.