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 4th of July marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, signaling the United States’ independence from Great Britain. It is celebrated annually as a national holiday with patriotic events, fireworks, and family gatherings. These 4th of July trivia questions can help you learn more about the holiday.

US President Donald Trump signed his flagship tax and spending bill into law Friday, capping a grandiose White House Independence Day ceremony featuring a stealth bomber fly-by.

The Fourth of July may have been Friday, but the fireworks, parades, concerts and festivals continue through the weekend to celebrate Independence Day. A quick reminder - while some ground-based fireworks are now legal in New Jersey, leave the big pyrotechnics to the pros.

The Fourth of July is about all things American: parades, cookouts, cold beer and, of course, fireworks. Those pyrotechnics remain at the center of Independence Day, a holiday 247 years in the making. Massive fireworks lit up the skyline of multiple American cities, marking festivities across the country.

Procession kicks off from Boston City Hall Plaza at 9 a.m. and meanders to the Old State House for the annual reading of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

Throughout, Independence Day parades and community gatherings are showcasing countless American flags waving, plenty of red, white and blue decore splashed throughout, and patriotic remembrances to mark the Fourth of July holiday.