The United States Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.
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 subjects of Great Britain. July 4 became the date printed on the declaration and the date celebrated as Independence Day.
A common mix-up concerns July 2 and August 2. Congress voted for independence on July 2, while the declaration was formally adopted on July 4. Most delegates signed the engrossed parchment on August 2, although some signatures were added later. The anniversary celebrated in 2026 therefore marks 250 years since adoption, not 250 years since every signature was placed on the document.