On which date was the Declaration of Independence officially adopted?

The Declaration of Independence was officially adopted on July 4, 1776. This date is significant because it marks the formal announcement of the American colonies' break from British rule. On this day, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia finalized and approved the text of the Declaration, which had been primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson. The adoption of the Declaration represented a pivotal moment in American history, as it articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence and laid the foundational principles of individual rights and government by consent.

Other dates listed carry historical significance but do not pertain to the adoption of the Declaration itself. For instance, June 14, 1776, is significant for other decisions made in the Continental Congress. August 2, 1776, is the date when many delegates signed the document, but it had already been adopted on July 4. September 17, 1787, marks the signing of the United States Constitution, an entirely different document that established the framework for the federal government.