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.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming U.S. independence from Britain.

Highlights: The United States celebrated its Independence Day as President Trump kicked off the festivities with the America250 campaign, a day before signing a major tax bill into law on Friday.