America250 marked July 4, 1776, as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s adoption.
The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. The document announced that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as independent states rather than parts of the British Empire.
The date is often confused with July 2, when Congress approved the Lee Resolution declaring the colonies independent. The parchment engrossed copy was signed primarily on August 2, although additional signatures were added later. July 4 became the commemorative date because it appears on the adopted declaration and became the date associated with American independence.
America250, also called the United States Semiquincentennial, centered its national commemoration on this 1776 milestone. Independence Day is observed annually on the same date with ceremonies, parades, fireworks, and other public events.