What document’s adoption does America250 commemorate as the United States turns 250?

America250 commemorates the adoption of the United States Declaration of Independence.

The Second Continental Congress adopted the document on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. It announced that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as independent states rather than parts of the British Empire. The document also explained the political principles supporting that separation.

Thomas Jefferson drafted the main text as a member of the Committee of Five. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston were the other committee members. The final document was debated, edited, and adopted by Congress before being publicly proclaimed.

A common mix-up is to treat July 4 as the date Congress first voted for independence. The Lee Resolution passed on July 2, while the Declaration itself was adopted on July 4. America250 focuses on the anniversary of the Declaration’s adoption and the independence it announced.