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.

What is July 4 all about in the USA? On July 4, 2025, the United States of America (USA) commemorates Independence Day, marking 249 years since the nation's founding and its declaration of independence from British rule in 1776.