On what date did the Continental Congress adopt the Declaration of Independence?

On what date did the Continental Congress adopt the Declaration of Independence? It adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Second Continental Congress approved the final wording in Philadelphia, formally announcing that the thirteen colonies were free and independent states.

The date is sometimes confused with July 2, when Congress approved the Lee Resolution declaring that the colonies should be independent of Great Britain. July 4 was the date Congress approved the Declaration’s final text and sent it to printer John Dunlap. The document was then rapidly reproduced and distributed throughout the colonies.

Another common mix-up concerns the signatures. Most delegates signed the famous parchment copy on August 2, 1776, and additional signatures were added later. That signing date does not change the adoption date. The Declaration, drafted principally by Thomas Jefferson with revisions from Congress, listed grievances against King George III and presented a philosophical case for government based on rights and consent.