Which document's 1776 adoption is commemorated by America's 250th anniversary?

America’s 250th anniversary commemorates the 1776 adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

The Second Continental Congress adopted the document on July 4, 1776. It announced that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as free and independent states rather than colonies within the British Empire. The document also presented a political explanation for separation and listed grievances against King George III.

Thomas Jefferson wrote the main draft, working with the Committee of Five. The committee also included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson’s draft was revised during congressional debate before adoption.

A common mix-up is treating July 4 as the date when every delegate signed the parchment copy. Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4, while most historians place the principal signing on August 2. America250 links the anniversary to the independence declaration and its adoption.