This finally happened on August 2, 1776. On this day, key figures such as John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams affixed their signatures to this now-historic document. The signing took place in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia. The United States is a country in North America that is a federal republic of 50 states. Besides the 48 conterminous states that occupy the middle latitudes of the continent, the United States includes the state of Alaska, at the northwestern extreme of North America, and the island state of Hawaii, in the mid-Pacific Ocean. Despite Adams’ prediction, July 4 became the widely recognized Independence Day. This date marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress. The document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, put into words the ideals and principles that would shape the new nation. A lthough Americans have long celebrated Independence Day on July 4, technically that is not when the colonies voted to become a new nation. That honor belongs to July 2, 1776, which was not only American Independence Day is celebrated every July 4th, marking the adoption of the Declaration of Independence from British rule in 1776. It represents the birth of the United States of America. The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was engrossed on parchment and on August 2, 1776, delegates began signing it. This Fourth of July marks the 249th anniversary of Independence Day, but there are several dates that are related to America's independence from Britain. However, the exact day that the United States of America became an independent nation was not on the Fourth of July; but rather, it was a couple days prior, on July 2nd. The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 contiguous states border Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, with the semi-exclave of Alaska in the northwest and the archipelago of Hawaii in the Pacific John Adams was right, July 2nd is really America's Independence Day It was on July 2, 1776, that the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia voted to approve a motion for independence When is the real Independence Day: July 2 or July 4? There’s no doubt the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. But which date has the legitimate claim on Independence Day: July 2 or July 4? If John Adams were alive today, he would tell you July 2. The written Declaration of Independence was dated July 4 but wasn't actually signed until August 2. Fifty-six delegates eventually signed the document, although all were not present on that day in August. Welcome to opm.govTo see holidays for a specific year, please select the tab labeled with your year of interest. Independence Day is an annual celebration of nationhood in the United States, commemorating the passage of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is celebrated on July 4. The United States' Independence Day is commonly believed to fall on July 4, the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted and signed in 1776. However, most historians agree that the majority of delegates actually signed the document on August 2, 1776, nearly a month after its adoption. The Philippine Declaration of Independence (Filipino: Pagpapahayag ng Kasarinlan ng Pilipinas; Spanish: Declaración de Independencia de Filipinas) [a] was proclaimed by Filipino revolutionary forces general Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898, in Cavite el Viejo (present-day Kawit, Cavite), Philippines. It asserted the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine islands from the 300 years of US Independence Day 2025: On July 4, 2025, the United States of America celebrates Independence Day, marking the anniversary of the nation's declaration of independence from British rule in 1776. The Signers of the Declaration The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Most of the delegates to the Second Continental Congress signed the document on August 2, 1776. By putting their names on this paper, these men risked losing everything if the British won the American Revolution. Even though the Americans won, some of these men suffered severely by supporting But why do we celebrate it on July 4th and did America really even become independent on July 4th, 1776? Have we been celebrating on the wrong date this entire time? Learn more about the real date of American independence on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. For a nation to achieve independence is no small thing. Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, marks a pivotal moment in American history. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this national holiday. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, but it wasn't signed by all members of the Continental Congress until August 2, 1776.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |