The Fourth of July (Independence Day) marks the day the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress in 1776. The declaration allowed the 13 American colonies to gain independence and separate from Great Britain. The Fourth of July officially became a federal holiday in 1870 by Congress. Take a look at our gallery of agencies across the government in celebration of Independence Day!
The National Archives celebrate the Declaration of Independence with its traditional in-person Fourth of July program. All July 4th activities are free and open to the public.