We all know the US was once a British colony. It was on 4th July 1776, when Congress signed the Declaration of Independence of the United States, thereby giving freedom to the country from British rule. Thus, 4th July marks the Independence Day of the US. Back in the 18th century, 13 states of this country were British colonies. In 1776, it was under the rule of King George III. Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on 2nd July 1776. Two days later, it was signed by Thomas Jefferson, who later on became the 3rd president of the US. The 2nd president of the USS, John Adams, believed that even 2nd July, when the Congress voted for independence, was a significant day in the history of the USA. Even though Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin have stated they signed it on 4th July, many historians believe they signed the declaration on 2nd August 1776. Nevertheless, the country celebrates the 4th of July as its national independence day. Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday in 1778, George Washington marked the anniversary of the signing of the delectation of Independence on July 4th 1778. However, Independence Day started being a federal holiday in 1941 Under Franklin D. Roosevelt and the 77th Congress. The Fourth of July recognizes the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a significant moment in American history. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress successfully voted to become independent from Great Britain, and two days after that, the Declaration of Independence was adopted and signed by delegates representing the 13 colonies. Philosopher and Founding Father Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration and later became the third President of the U.S. Every year since the original signing, July 4 has been a cause for celebration. During the early years of the republic, Independence Day was commemorated with parades, oratory, and toasting in ceremonies that celebrated the existence of the new nation. In the early 19th century reformers of this time prompted a safe and sane fourth of july movement. During the Middle to late 2oth century people started marking this day by parades, concerts of patriotic music and public fireworks displays. It stays a potent symbol of national pride and qualities with more people staying at home and barbecuing
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From <https://www.britannica.com/topic/Independence-Day-United-States-holiday>