America250 commemorates July 4, 1776, the date the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration announced that the Thirteen Colonies regarded themselves as free and independent states. Congress approved the final wording at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, later known as Independence Hall. The date became the basis for the United States holiday called Independence Day.
A common mix-up concerns the Declaration’s signing. Most delegates signed the engrossed parchment copy on August 2, 1776, although some signatures were added later. July 4 marks adoption of the document, not necessarily the day every signer put a name on it.
John Adams predicted that July 2, the date Congress adopted the Lee Resolution declaring independence, would be celebrated. Instead, July 4 became the enduring national anniversary because it appeared on the approved Declaration and its early printed copies.