The United States Declaration of Independence was adopted in Philadelphia, a milestone marked by America250.
The Second Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House, the building now known as Independence Hall. On July 4, 1776, Congress adopted the Declaration, formally announcing that the thirteen American colonies were free and independent states.
Philadelphia was the political center of the revolutionary movement and hosted the Continental Congress during the critical debates over independence. The city later became the temporary national capital before the federal government moved to Washington, D.C.
Independence Hall is often confused with the National Archives Building, where the engrossed Declaration is now displayed. The document’s adoption occurred in Philadelphia, while its famous parchment original is preserved in Washington. America250 programming highlights Philadelphia because of this direct connection to the founding document.