Which document is America250 celebrating the 250th anniversary of adopting?

America250 celebrates the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the United States Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration was approved by the Second Continental Congress in 1776. It explained why the thirteen American colonies were separating from Great Britain and presented independence as a political decision grounded in principles such as equality and natural rights.

Thomas Jefferson drafted the document, with assistance and editing from figures including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. The final text contains a list of grievances against King George III and concludes that the colonies were free and independent states.

The Declaration is often described as being “signed” on July 4, but adoption and signing were separate events. Congress adopted the text on July 4, while the main group of delegates signed the engrossed parchment on August 2. That distinction explains why America250’s anniversary date is July 4, 2026.