July 4, also known as Independence Day, marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the 13 North American colonies officially separated from Great Britain. As the Fourth of July draws nearer, here's a brief rundown of what happened that day in 1776, approximately 249 years ago.

Friday is July 4th, when America celebrates its Independence Day. Here's a look at what's open and what's closed in Massachusetts. The Fourth of July is a state and federal holiday. That means the post office,