Which document did the Second Continental Congress adopt on July 4, 1776, launching the independence celebrated by America250?

The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The document announced that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as free and independent states rather than part of the British Empire. Its adoption is the central event whose 250th anniversary America250 commemorates in 2026.

The Declaration was debated and revised in Philadelphia. Thomas Jefferson wrote the initial draft, but the final text reflected edits by the committee and Congress. The document famously presents a theory of natural rights and lists grievances against King George III.

A common mix-up concerns July 2: Congress voted for independence on that date, while the edited Declaration was adopted on July 4. The formal signing by delegates largely occurred on August 2, 1776.