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.

The US celebrates its Independence Day with closures in government services, record-breaking travel forecasts, and festivities nationwide, including fireworks, parades, and barbecues. Retail stores mostly remain open.