US Declared Its Independence On July 2, But Why Is It Celebrated On July 4?

US Declared Its Independence On July 2, But Why Is It Celebrated On July 4?

Although the Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776, July 4 became America's official Independence Day. Here's why the two dates continue to spark historical debate.

What really happened on July 4, 1776

Many people will tell you that this country’s founders signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, but that is not true. An expert on the subject told reporter Sandy Hausman that 200 copies of the original document were printed on the Fourth and Fifth – then carried by men on horseback to each of the colonies.