The United States adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. That date is the central historical milestone commemorated by America250 in 2026.
The Second Continental Congress approved the final wording in Philadelphia. The document announced that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as independent states rather than possessions of Great Britain. Although the text was approved on July 4, the formal signing by most delegates took place later, chiefly on August 2.
The Declaration was written mainly by Thomas Jefferson, with editing and suggestions from John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston. Its most famous passage states that all people are created equal and possess rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The date is sometimes confused with July 2, when Congress voted for independence, or August 2, the principal signing date. July 4 is the date printed on the document and the date observed as Independence Day.