The Second Continental Congress adopted the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the date commemorated by America250 in 2026.
The declaration formally explained why the Thirteen Colonies were separating from Great Britain. Congress adopted it in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall.
The date is often confused with July 2, when Congress adopted the Lee Resolution declaring independence. August 2 is generally associated with the primary signing of the engrossed parchment copy, not its adoption.
The Declaration’s adoption made July 4 the central date of U.S. Independence Day. America250 uses the 1776 adoption as the principal historical milestone for the nation’s 250th anniversary.