The United States Declaration of Independence received final approval on July 4, 1776, the date commemorated by America250.
The Second Continental Congress debated and edited the document after a committee presented Thomas Jefferson’s draft. Congress approved the final wording on July 4, although the decision to declare independence had already been made through the Lee Resolution on July 2.
July 4 became associated with American independence because it is the date printed on the document and the date Congress adopted its final text. The large parchment copy displayed today was signed primarily on August 2, a detail that often causes confusion.
America250 marks 250 years from July 4, 1776, making its anniversary date July 4, 2026. The celebration therefore commemorates the adoption of the Declaration rather than the later signing date.