July 4, also known as Independence Day, marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the 13 North American colonies officially separated from Great Britain. As the Fourth of July draws nearer, here's a brief rundown of what happened that day in 1776, approximately 249 years ago.

After delivering a speech highlighting the destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities, his supporters in Congress and elements of the “Big Beautiful Bill”, President Trump signed his first legislative victory of his second term.

Known now as a day of patriotism and enjoying time off from work, the Fourth of July began the journey to becoming a quintessential American holiday in 1776, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

The Fourth of July holiday, also known as Independence Day, celebrates the Second Continental Congress’ unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. A year later, according to the Library of Congress,

Independence Day parades, another Joey Chestnut win and fireworks marked Friday's Fourth of July celebrations across the U.S. The big picture: Millions of Americans traveled for the holiday, facing sweltering heat,