Independence Day (US)

Culture of origin: National · National holiday

Holiday sources: United States (federal)

On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted for independence from Britain, and on July 4 it adopted the Declaration of Independence, drafted largely by Thomas Jefferson. Americans celebrated the date on the Declaration from the start: Philadelphia marked it in 1777 with 13-gun salutes, parades and fireworks. Known as the Fourth of July, it is the national day of the United States.