The engrossed United States Declaration of Independence was signed primarily on August 2, 1776, an event remembered during America250.
Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4, but the parchment copy was not signed by most delegates that same day. Historians generally identify August 2 as the main signing date, although additional signatures may have been added later.
This distinction explains a common historical mix-up. July 4 is the national Independence Day because Congress approved the Declaration then, while August 2 is associated with the formal signing of the engrossed copy. The document was prepared after Congress ordered an official parchment version.
The signing took place at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, now known as Independence Hall. The 56 signers represented the thirteen colonies and accepted the risks of openly declaring independence from Great Britain.