Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress in 1776.

: While we celebrate on the 4th, the Continental Congress actually voted in favor of independence on July 2, 1776 . John Adams famously predicted this date would be the "great anniversary Festival".

: Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees. 1938/1941 : It became a paid federal holiday. The Story of the Fourth of July - Constitution Facts